Conflicting statements emerged Monday after a Palestinian official claimed that Hamas had accepted a Gaza ceasefire proposal attributed to U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff—an assertion later denied by both Israel and Witkoff himself.
A Palestinian official close to Hamas told Reuters that the group had agreed to a proposal received through mediators, which would involve a 70-day ceasefire, the release of 10 Israeli hostages in two batches, a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the freeing of several hundred Palestinian prisoners, including those serving long sentences.
"The proposal includes the release of 10 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.
However, an Israeli official dismissed the plan, stating that no responsible government could accept such terms. The official also denied that the proposal originated from Washington or reflected one presented by Witkoff.
Witkoff himself told Reuters that the deal under discussion was not his and that Hamas had not accepted his proposal.
"What I had seen was completely unacceptable," he said, rejecting claims that Hamas had accepted his version of a ceasefire and hostage deal.
Later in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the issue in a video posted to social media, expressing optimism about potential developments regarding the hostages.
He said he "hoped very much" he would be able to deliver updates on Israel's efforts against Hamas and the release of hostages, "today and if not today then we will tomorrow."
His office did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.
Tensions remain high following the collapse of a previous ceasefire on March 18, when Israel resumed its military campaign in Gaza. Hamas and its allies responded with rocket attacks two days later.
Hamas has signaled willingness to release all remaining hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Netanyahu, however, has maintained that only a temporary ceasefire would be considered in return for hostage releases and reiterated that the war will not end until Hamas is destroyed.
The conflict, which began after Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people and abducted 251 hostages during the October assault, has resulted in nearly 54,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health authorities. The humanitarian situation in the enclave continues to deteriorate, with aid organizations reporting widespread malnutrition.
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