Hamas hasn’t agreed to US ceasefire deal: Steve Witkoff

Washington rejected late Monday an assertion by Hamas that the group had accepted a Gaza ceasefire proposal that reportedly involves the liberation of 10 hostages in two batches and a 70-day truce.

A spokesman for US envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed to AFP reporting by Axios that he had rejected claims by the Palestinian resistance group that it had agreed to his proposal for a hostage and ceasefire deal.

Earlier it was reported that Hamas had agreed to a proposal by US special envoy Steve Witkoff for a Gaza ceasefire, a Palestinian official close to the group told Reuters on Monday, paving the way for a possible end to the war.

The new proposal, which sees the release of 10 hostages and 70 days of truce, was received by Hamas through mediators.

“The proposal includes the release of ten 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 source said.

The proposal also sees the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners by Israel, including hundreds of those serving lengthy prison terms.