Israel hostage deal in doubt as Hamas adds demands, US envoy calls terms ‘unacceptable’

Hamas has recently announced its agreement to release 10 living hostages and return the bodies of 18 more, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. However, the terms of the proposed deal have been deemed unacceptable by the U.S. and Israel, according to reports.

The group, designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the State Department since 1997, made the announcement through a statement on Saturday. They stated that the release of the hostages was conditional upon the return of a number of Palestinian prisoners as part of a move towards achieving a permanent ceasefire.

Israeli media reported that Hamas had added new demands to the proposal put forth by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. These demands included a permanent ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and unrestricted humanitarian aid flow into the strip. However, Witkoff’s original proposal did not include a full withdrawal or a ceasefire, which led to Hamas adding their own terms to the deal.

In response to Hamas’ demands, Witkoff called their response to the American proposal “totally unacceptable” and warned that it would only hinder progress. He urged the group to accept the original framework in order to begin proximity talks as early as next week. These talks could potentially lead to a 60-day ceasefire and the return of both living and deceased hostages.

In a statement prior to Witkoff’s response, Hamas stated that they had conducted national consultations and submitted their response to the latest proposal. They emphasized their aim to achieve a permanent ceasefire, a comprehensive withdrawal from Gaza, and ensure the flow of aid to the people in the region.

Despite Israel agreeing to the updated Witkoff framework, Hamas continued to refuse the terms, which the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office emphasized in a statement. The office reiterated Israel’s commitment to bringing home their hostages and defeating Hamas, while also highlighting that Hamas’ latest stance undermines progress.

Hamas is currently holding 58 hostages in Gaza, with at least 34 believed to be deceased and approximately 24 still alive. The negotiations involve the release of 10 living hostages and a number of bodies during a 60-day pause, in exchange for over 1,100 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, including those serving long sentences for deadly attacks.

President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching a deal, stating that negotiators were close to an agreement on Gaza. However, deep differences between Hamas and Israel have hindered previous attempts to restore a ceasefire that broke down earlier this year.

As negotiations continue, the fate of the hostages and the prospects for a lasting ceasefire remain uncertain. The international community is closely watching the developments in the region, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.