Witkoff denies Hamas accepted his truce proposal, says group’s stance ‘disappointing and unacceptable’

US special envoy to the Mideast Steve Witkoff denies claims from Hamas officials that the terror group has accepted his proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza, Report informs via The Times of Israel.

“What I have seen from Hamas is disappointing and completely unacceptable,” Witkoff tells the Axios news site.

Witkoff says Israel is prepared to agree to a temporary ceasefire that would see half of the living and deceased hostages return “and lead to substantive negotiations to find a path to a permanent ceasefire, which I agreed to preside over.”

“That deal is on the table. Hamas should take it,” Witkoff says.

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Hamas has agreed to a proposal by US special envoy Steve Witkoff for a Gaza ceasefire, a Palestinian official close to the group told Reuters on Monday, paving the way for a possible end to the war, Report informs via Reuters.

The new proposal, which sees the release of ten hostages and 70 days of truce, was received by Hamas through mediators.

"The proposal includes the release of ten living Israeli hostages held by Hamas in two groups in return for a 70-day ceasefire and a partial withdrawal from the Gaza Strip," the source said.

The proposal also sees the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners by Israel, including hundreds of those serving lengthy prison terms.