Group would want to be sure of the definitive end of the conflict, exchange of hostages and total withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office rejected Hamas’s counter-proposal to the United States ceasefire agreement. The extremist group required the definitive end of the conflict, the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory and the release of 125 Palestinians in the custody of Israel.
“Although Israel agreed with the updated Witkoff sketch for hostage release, Hamas continues to remain true to its refusal […] Israel will continue its action for the return of hostages and the defeat of Hamas ”, Netanyahu’s office reported this Saturday (31.mai.2025).
In his X profile, Steve Witkoff, envoy to negotiate on behalf of US President Donald Trump (Republican), wrote that Hamas’s counterproposal was “unacceptable” And it would only lead the nations to back down on negotiations and that the only way to close a ceasefire agreement would be if Hamas accepted, without change, the initial proposal.
Hamas had agreed to free 10 hostages and deliver the bodies of others 18. He demanded in return for the release of 125 Palestinian prisoners.
In an official statement, the extremist group stated that the response to the agreement was intended to reach a permanent ceasefire and ensure a flow of humanitarian aid to the population in the Gaza Strip.
The text established that negotiations for a permanent ceasefire would begin on the first day of the 60-day truce. The agreement would also allow humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip.
Israel has allowed a limited number of trucks and other international groups.
