Hamas Rejects Trump Envoy’s Ceasefire Plan | Middle East News
Hamas has thrown a wrench into the gears of a potential Gaza ceasefire, according to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, by altering the terms of a proposed deal. Witkoff accuses Hamas of a “bait-and-switch” tactic, jeopardizing the release of hostages and a much-needed pause in the fighting. Israel initially agreed to the original U.S.-backed proposal, but Hamas’s modifications now threaten to derail the fragile negotiations. The primary keyword is ceasefire, while the secondary keywords are hostage release.News Directory 3 is following this story closely,as Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office rejects Hamas’s version as unacceptable. Discover what’s next in this developing situation.
Hamas Alters Ceasefire Terms, Stalling Gaza Hostage Release Deal
Updated May 26, 2025
A potential agreement for a Gaza Strip ceasefire is in jeopardy after Hamas allegedly modified the terms of a U.S.-backed proposal. Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy, accused Hamas of a ”bait-and-switch” tactic that could derail the hostage release and further delay a much-needed pause in fighting.
Hamas claimed Monday it received a new U.S.-supported deal involving a 60-day ceasefire and the release of five living hostages on the first and last days. Witkoff, though, expressed disappointment, stating the terms presented to Hamas differed substantially from what was agreed upon.
The proposal Witkoff presented calls for Hamas to release 10 living and 19 deceased hostages in exchange for a 45- to 60-day ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners. The primary role of Witkoff has been to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage release.
“What I have seen from Hamas is disappointing and entirely unacceptable,” Witkoff said. He added that Israel had already agreed to his proposed terms, which he believes offer a path toward a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The secondary keyword_1 is ceasefire and secondary_keyword_2 is hostage release.
“That deal is on the table. Hamas should take it,” Witkoff said.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office dismissed the Hamas counteroffer as simply “a US proposal.”
Netanyahu’s office stated, “No responsible Israeli government could accept it.”
What’s next
Negotiations are expected to continue, but the altered terms presented by Hamas create a important obstacle to securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza.