As the sounds of bombardment fill the air, the world and the residents of Gaza await Israel’s response after Hamas provided its feedback on the latest U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in the region. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate alongside ongoing Israeli airstrikes.
Yesterday, Hamas announced that it had delivered its response to mediators regarding the ceasefire proposal presented by President Donald Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. The response included a demand for the cessation of hostilities, which Israel views as a non-negotiable point. According to Hamas, the agreement entails the release of 10 living Israeli prisoners held in Gaza, in addition to the return of 18 bodies, in exchange for a mutually agreed number of Palestinian prisoners.
Israel’s Reaction
While the specific content of Hamas’s response remains unclear, a political source in Israel reported to the Ma’an news agency that Hamas has effectively rejected Witkoff’s proposal, instead offering a new version with additional conditions. Sources from Israel indicate that the Israeli government does not consider Hamas’s response as an acceptance, stating that it must agree to the proposal as is without any amendments, or else new negotiations would be required.
The updated proposal from Witkoff primarily includes the phased release of 10 living prisoners and 18 bodies over one week—half on the first day and the remainder on the seventh day—while instituting a 60-day ceasefire during which negotiations to end the conflict would occur. The plan also proposes the release of 125 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, along with 1,111 prisoners from Gaza, and 180 bodies of deceased individuals currently held by Israel.
Reports from Israeli media suggest that Witkoff has prepared an alternative plan in case Hamas declines his offer. According to Israeli Channel 13, families of the Israeli hostages are growing anxious about the potential failure to reach an agreement this time.
The report mentioned that Witkoff and Adam Bowler, Trump’s special envoy for hostages, assured families during a conversation that if no deal is achieved, they will demand information on the captives in exchange for humanitarian assistance.
Intensified Violence
On the ground, the occupation continues its aggressive assault. Early yesterday, wide areas in northern Gaza were targeted, particularly Beit Hanoun, which has been left in ruins, replicating scenes of mass destruction. According to the WAM news agency, within the past 24 hours, 60 Palestinians have been killed and 284 injured, raising the total death toll from Israel’s ongoing aggression in the region to over 54,000.
The agency reported that medical sources in Palestine indicated the arrival of 60 deceased individuals, including one retrieved from the rubble, along with 284 injured people at Gaza’s hospitals. It was noted that some victims remain trapped under debris and on the streets, where rescue teams are facing significant obstacles in reaching them.
Humanitarian Catastrophe
These developments coincide with urgent warnings from the United Nations regarding the worsening humanitarian catastrophe. Philippe Lazzarini, the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) Commissioner-General, emphasized that the scale of aid reaching Gaza is completely inadequate given the humanitarian crisis.
The World Food Programme reported the entry of 77 trucks carrying flour in recent hours, but all were halted en route, with starving residents seizing the supplies. After nearly 80 days of total blockade, the population is suffering from starvation and can no longer endure seeing food passing by.
Amjad Shawa, director of the Palestinian NGOs Network, stated that armed groups are taking advantage of the dire situation to attack some aid convoys. He mentioned the urgent need for hundreds more trucks and accused Israel of implementing a systematic starvation policy.