Hamas has officially responded to the U.S. ceasefire proposal, dubbed “Alto El Fuego,” which was presented earlier this week by Donald Trump’s middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. The response, delivered to mediators, outlines Hamas’s position on the proposed agreement and includes several key demands.

In its statement, Hamas expressed willingness to release ten living Israeli hostages and the remains of 18 deceased hostages, a figure stipulated in the proposed agreement, in exchange for the release of an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. This exchange is a central component of the U.S.-backed plan aimed at de-escalating the conflict.

Though, Hamas has also included a significant condition: a complete and permanent end to the ongoing war. This demand has been a consistent red line for the group throughout negotiations, presenting a major challenge to reaching a final agreement. Israel has so far resisted calls for a complete cessation of hostilities before dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities.

According to Hamas’s statement, This proposal aims to achieve a permanent fire, a complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and guarantee the flow of help to our people. These conditions, notably the demand for a complete withdrawal, are not currently part of the publicly known framework of the U.S. proposal.

While the complete details of the U.S. ceasefire plan have not been officially released, Reuters news agency reports that it includes a 60-day pause in fighting. The initial phase would involve the release of 28 Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, within the frist week. An additional 30 hostages would be released once a permanent ceasefire is established.

In return, Hamas is demanding the release of 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and the remains of 180 deceased Palestinians held by Israel. The proposal also calls for the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to gaza through the United Nations and other aid organizations.

as of now, neither Israel nor the United States has officially responded to Hamas’s counter-proposal. the U.S. has taken a leading role in mediating negotiations between the two sides, but the path forward remains uncertain.

In a separate growth, the Israeli army announced on Saturday the death of Mohammad Sinwar, a Hamas leader in Gaza, stating that he was killed on May 13.This announcement confirms earlier reports by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mohammad Sinwar was reportedly targeted in an Israeli strike against a hospital in southern Gaza. He was the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza and a key figure behind the October 2023 attack on Israel.

Hamas’s demand for unrestricted humanitarian aid reflects the dire conditions in Gaza, where humanitarian organizations have warned of a worsening crisis. Officials have described the situation as a “forced famine,” citing severe restrictions on the entry of essential supplies.

“Forced Famine”

The UN Food Agency reported that it was unable to deliver nearly 80 aid trucks to its warehouses after desperate individuals overwhelmed the convoy and seized bags of flour. This incident underscores the desperation and scarcity of resources within Gaza.

The UN has repeatedly cautioned about widespread hunger and starvation resulting from Israel’s blockade of Gaza. A senior humanitarian official recently characterized the situation as a forced famine.

We are seeing that food is deposited at the borders and its entrance is not allowed when there is a population on the other side that dies of hunger,and we here Israeli ministers say that this is to press the population of Gaza, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher recently told BBC.

According to Rushdi Abualof, BBC News correspondent in Gaza, reporting from Cairo, Hamas faces its most complex and challenging situation since the beginning of the war.

Under the intense pressure of 2.2 million people living in the worst conditions of their history and mediators, the movement cannot accept an American proposal that

FAQ

What is the “Alto El Fuego” proposal?

It’s a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal presented by Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, aimed at de-escalating the conflict between Hamas and Israel.

What are Hamas’s main demands?

Hamas demands a permanent end to the war,a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza,and guaranteed,unrestricted humanitarian aid.

What does the U.S. proposal include?

Reportedly, it includes a 60-day pause in fighting, the release of Israeli hostages in phases, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

What is the current humanitarian situation in Gaza?

The UN describes it as a “forced famine” due to severe restrictions on the entry of essential supplies,leading to widespread hunger and starvation.

Has Israel responded to Hamas’s counter-proposal?

As of the latest reports, neither israel nor the United States has officially responded.