Israel has rejected claims that Hamas agreed to a new Gaza ceasefire deal proposed by US envoy Steve Witkoff. An Israeli official said the proposal wasn’t put forward by Washington and said that no Israeli government could accept it.
Witkoff also denied that Hamas had accepted any offer from him. Speaking to Reuters, he said, “What I’ve seen is completely unacceptable,” adding that the deal Hamas claimed to accept was not the same as his proposal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video message on social media, saying, “I hope very much I’ll be able to give news regarding the hostages and our war on Hamas — today, and if not today, then tomorrow.”
HAMAS CLAIMS 70-DAY CEASEFIRE AND HOSTAGE DEAL
Earlier, a Palestinian official close to Hamas told Reuters that the group had accepted a proposal received through mediators.
According to reports, the plan called for a 70-day ceasefire, partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of ten Israeli hostages in two groups.
“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 official said.
Despite the claim, an Israeli official rejected the claims that the deal was proposed by Witkoff or any US body.
WAR CONTINUES WITH NO END IN SIGHT
On March 18, Israel effectively ended a January ceasefire agreement with Hamas and renewed its military campaign in Gaza. Hamas and allied factions began firing rockets and attacks two days later.
Hamas has said it is willing to free all remaining hostages seized by its gunmen in attacks on communities in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and agree to a permanent ceasefire if Israel pulls out completely from Gaza.
Netanyahu has said Israel would only be willing to agree to a temporary ceasefire in return for the release of hostages, vowing that war can only end once Hamas is eradicated.
Israel launched an air and ground war in Gaza after the Hamas-led militants’ cross-border attack, which killed 1,200 people by Israeli tallies, with 251 hostages abducted into Gaza.
According to Gaza health authorities, the conflict has destroyed the coastal strip and killed almost 54,000 Palestinians. According to aid organisations, there are many indications of severe malnutrition.
With inputs from Reuters