Witkoff's strong condemnation came shortly after reports that Hamas had delivered its response to Egyptian and Qatari mediators, outlining a proposed timeline for the release of Israeli captives and the handover of bodies. While Hamas described its response as aiming for a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal, Witkoff's reaction suggested a significant divergence in expectations.

“Hamas should accept the framework proposal we put forward as the basis for proximity talks, which we can begin immediately this week,” Witkoff stated, indicating a desire for direct negotiations based on the U.S.'s original parameters.

In a clear articulation of the US position, Witkoff emphasised a key condition for reaching a 60-day ceasefire: “half of the living hostages and half of the deceased must be returned.” This statement appeared to directly contradict the reported details of Hamas's counter-proposal, which outlined a phased release of a smaller number of living hostages in the initial stages.

Earlier reports, based on Hamas's statement and regional media, indicated the group proposed releasing four living hostages on the first day, followed by two on the thirtieth day, and four on the sixtieth day, alongside a phased handover of the bodies of deceased captives.

Hamas has delivered its response to the latest American proposal for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, stating it has incorporated significant elements of US envoy Steve Witkoff's recent suggestions while also including points previously agreed upon with the U.S. on May 25.

The response reportedly contains language aimed at ensuring an end to the Israeli offensive in Gaza, the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for thousands of Palestinian prisoners, Hamas stepping down from governing Gaza, the resumption of substantial aid, and the commencement of the enclave's reconstruction.

Notably, the proposal demands a long-term cessation of hostilities between the parties, ranging from five to seven years.

The current US proposal reportedly offers a 60-day ceasefire with the staged release of 10 Israeli captives (four on day one, two on day 30, and four on day 60) and a phased return of Israeli bodies. However, the extension of the ceasefire beyond 60 days is not guaranteed.

A Hamas source also told Al Arabiya that “all factions” had agreed on the observations submitted in response to Witkoff's proposal.

Meanwhile, a message sent to the families of the kidnapped Israelis had conveyed that Israel had not yet received Hamas's response, creating a temporary information lag. However, Witkoff's strong public rejection suggests that the content of Hamas' reply, once reviewed, was deemed far from the US's desired outcome.

Witkoff's blunt assessment casts significant doubt on the immediate prospects for a breakthrough in the ceasefire negotiations and underscores the deep-seated disagreements between the parties regarding the terms of any potential agreement. His insistence on the return of half of the living and deceased hostages as a prerequisite for a 60-day truce sets a clear benchmark that Hamas' reported proposal appears to fall short of.