June 1, 2025
In a dramatic twist to the ongoing Gaza conflict, Hamas has responded to a US-backed ceasefire proposal with what appears to be neither a clear acceptance nor an outright rejection, but rather a counterproposal that threatens to derail the fragile peace process just as it seemed to be gaining momentum.
The Palestinian group’s response, delivered Saturday to US special envoy Steve Witkoff, has been swiftly labeled “totally unacceptable” by American officials and dismissed by Israeli leadership as “taking us backward” in the quest for peace. This latest development casts a long shadow over hopes for an immediate cessation of hostilities in a war that has now claimed more than 54,000 Palestinian lives and left Gaza’s 2.3 million residents facing catastrophic humanitarian conditions.
The Proposal and Counterproposal
The intricate dance of diplomacy has revealed a significant gap between what Hamas demands and what Israel and the United States are willing to offer. According to multiple sources, Hamas has indicated it would release:
- 10 living Israeli hostages
- The bodies of 18 deceased hostages
- In exchange for “an agreed upon number” of Palestinian prisoners
However, Hamas continues to insist on three core demands that go beyond the US proposal:
- A permanent ceasefire (not just temporary)
- Complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
- Guaranteed continuous flow of humanitarian aid
These demands stand in stark contrast to the US-backed proposal, which reportedly offers:
- A 60-day pause in fighting
- The release of 28 Israeli hostages (alive and dead) in the first week
- The release of 30 more hostages once a permanent ceasefire is in place
- The release of 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and remains of 180 dead Palestinians
- UN-coordinated humanitarian aid to Gaza
A Diplomatic Impasse
The diplomatic maneuvering has taken on additional complexity with Hamas official Basem Naim telling Al Jazeera that the group had previously reached an agreement with Witkoff on a proposal “which he deemed acceptable for negotiation” just one week earlier. According to Naim, when Witkoff returned, he presented “a new proposal… which had nothing to do with what we agreed upon.”
This claim of shifting goalposts adds another layer of complication to an already fraught negotiation process.
“Why, each time, is the Israeli response considered the only response for negotiation?” Naim questioned in his Al Jazeera interview. “This violates the integrity and fairness of mediation and constitutes a complete bias towards the other side.”
Witkoff’s response was unequivocal: “Hamas should accept the framework proposal we put forward as the basis for proximity talks, which we can begin immediately this coming week. That is the only way we can close a 60-day ceasefire deal in the coming days.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office reinforced this position, stating: “While Israel has agreed to the updated Witkoff outline for the release of our hostages, Hamas continues to adhere to its refusal.”
Hamas’s Difficult Position
For Hamas, the current situation represents perhaps its most challenging position since the conflict began. The group faces extraordinary pressure from multiple directions:
| Source of Pressure | Nature of Pressure |
|---|---|
| Gaza’s Population | 2.3 million people living in catastrophic conditions |
| Military Reality | Limited capacity to resist Israeli offensive |
| International Mediators | Pushing for acceptance of terms less favorable than previously rejected proposals |
| Israeli Military | Threatening escalation if terms not accepted |
As one BBC analysis puts it, Hamas is “caught between these two realities” – unable to accept a proposal that fails to secure a permanent end to the war, yet equally unable to reject it outright while facing the prospect of intensified Israeli military operations.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz made this threat explicit: “The Hamas murderers will now be forced to choose: accept the terms of the ‘Witkoff Deal’ for the release of the hostages – or be annihilated.”
The Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
While diplomatic efforts stall, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate at an alarming rate. The United Nations warned on Friday that all 2.3 million residents of Gaza are now at risk of famine, with one in five Palestinians already experiencing starvation.
The World Food Programme (WFP) reports having enough food ready near Gaza’s borders to feed the entire population for two months, but getting that aid to those who need it remains nearly impossible under current conditions.
Recent attempts to distribute aid have highlighted the desperate situation:
- The WFP brought 77 trucks loaded with flour into Gaza overnight Thursday into Friday, but they were quickly overwhelmed by starving residents
- The controversial US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution points have been criticized for militarizing aid delivery
- At least 10 Palestinians have reportedly been killed by Israeli forces while attempting to access aid
- Families report people going missing after reaching GHF distribution points
“What they are saying about their will to feed the people of Gaza are lies. They neither feed people nor give them anything to drink,” Gaza resident Layla al-Masri told Al Jazeera after leaving a GHF distribution point empty-handed.
Another displaced Palestinian, Abdel Qader Rabie, described the chaotic scenes: “If you are strong, you get aid. If you are not, you leave empty-handed.”
The Road Ahead
As the diplomatic standoff continues, the immediate future looks bleak for Gaza’s civilians. The Israeli military is continuing its operations, with Gaza’s civil defense reporting approximately 60 homes bombed in the last 48 hours in Gaza City and northern Gaza.
Since Friday, the Israeli army has also ordered “all residents” of southern Khan Younis, Bani Suheila, and Abasan to evacuate immediately, designating the area a “dangerous combat zone.” According to UN figures, nearly 200,000 people have been displaced in the past two weeks alone.
The current impasse leaves all parties at a critical juncture. For Hamas, accepting the US proposal would mean abandoning its core demand for a permanent end to hostilities. For Israel, any concession beyond the current offer risks domestic political backlash. And for the United States and other mediators, the challenge remains finding a formula that both sides can accept without appearing to capitulate.
As one diplomatic observer noted, “The gap between what Hamas demands and what Israel is willing to offer may seem unbridgeable, but the alternative to bridging it is continued suffering for millions of civilians caught in the crossfire.”
Whether this latest round of proposals and counterproposals leads to a breakthrough or another breakdown remains to be seen. But with each passing day, the humanitarian crisis deepens, and the prospects for a lasting peace grow more distant.
FAQ: Understanding the Hamas-Israel Ceasefire Negotiations
What exactly is Hamas asking for in its response to the US proposal?
Hamas is demanding three key elements: a permanent ceasefire (not just temporary), a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and guaranteed continuous flow of humanitarian aid. They’ve offered to release 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 bodies in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
What is in the US-backed proposal that Israel has accepted?
While the full details haven’t been officially confirmed, reports indicate it includes a 60-day pause in fighting, the release of 28 Israeli hostages (alive and dead) in the first week, the release of 30 more once a permanent ceasefire is established, the release of 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and remains of 180 dead Palestinians, and UN-coordinated humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Why did US envoy Steve Witkoff call Hamas’s response “totally unacceptable”?
Witkoff believes Hamas’s counterproposal represents a step backward in negotiations rather than progress toward an agreement. The US position is that Hamas should accept the framework proposal as a basis for proximity talks that could begin immediately.
Has Israel formally responded to Hamas’s counterproposal?
Yes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying that while Israel has agreed to the updated Witkoff outline for the release of hostages, “Hamas continues to adhere to its refusal.” Defense Minister Israel Katz went further, saying Hamas must either accept the terms or “be annihilated.”
What is the current humanitarian situation in Gaza?
The situation is catastrophic. The UN has warned that all 2.3 million residents of Gaza are now at risk of famine, with one in five Palestinians already experiencing starvation. Aid distribution is chaotic and dangerous, with reports of people being killed while trying to access food.
What is the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and why is it controversial?
The GHF is a US- and Israeli-backed aid distribution mechanism that has been criticized by other aid groups for potentially violating humanitarian principles and militarizing the delivery of aid. There have been reports of violence at GHF distribution points and allegations that people have gone missing after visiting them.
How many people have been killed in the Gaza conflict so far?
According to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, at least 54,381 people have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, including 4,117 since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, 2025. The ministry notes that these figures do not include casualties from some areas due to difficulty accessing them.
What started this conflict?
The current phase of the conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a cross-border attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 others being taken hostage. Israel responded with a military campaign in Gaza that has continued, with brief pauses, for nearly 20 months.
Are there any hostages still being held in Gaza?
Yes, though the exact number of living hostages is disputed. The US proposal reportedly addresses the release of dozens of hostages in phases, suggesting a significant number remain in captivity.
What happens if these negotiations fail?
If negotiations fail, Israel has threatened to escalate its military operations, particularly in southern Gaza areas like Khan Younis. This would likely result in more civilian casualties, further displacement, and a worsening of the already dire humanitarian crisis. International pressure for a ceasefire would likely intensify, but without a diplomatic breakthrough, the conflict could continue indefinitely.
