Hamas seeks changes in Gaza ceasefire proposal, US envoy calls it ‘unacceptable'
Hamas is seeking amendments to the latest US ceasefire proposal for Gaza, a senior official told The Associated Press on Saturday, as hungry Palestinians stopped and emptied dozens of aid trucks. The Hamas official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks, told news agency AP that the proposed amendments focus on 'US guarantees, the timing of hostage release, the delivery of aid, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.' advertisementA separate Hamas statement called for a permanent ceasefire, a comprehensive Israeli withdrawal, and an assured flow of humanitarian aid. The group said it would release 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 others in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners. Of the 250 hostages taken during Hamas' October 7 attack, 58 remain alive in Gaza, while Israel believes 35 are dead.Witkoff Calls Response 'Unacceptable'
However, US envoy Steve Witkoff called Hamas' response 'totally unacceptable.' He outlined on social media that the US proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire, the release of half the living hostages, and the return of half of those who have died. Witkoff urged Hamas to accept the framework as a starting point for negotiations, which could begin as soon as next week.Israeli officials have approved the ceasefire plan, and former U.S. President Donald Trump said negotiators are 'nearing a deal' after nearly 20 months of conflict.advertisement'We want the bloodshed to stop,' said Motasim, a resident of the Al-Bureij refugee camp. 'I swear to God, we are tired.'Desperation And Aid Crisis In GazaAs hunger grows, Palestinians in Gaza stopped and emptied 77 UN aid trucks, mostly carrying flour, before the supplies could reach their destinations, the UN World Food Program said. A witness in Khan Younis reported thousands of civilians offloading the aid at a makeshift roadblock.The WFP warned of a severe famine threat and said it has over 140,000 metric tons of food, enough to feed Gaza for two months, ready to enter the territory, but insecurity and restrictions prevent safe delivery. 'We need to flood communities with food to calm anxieties and rebuild trust that more is coming,' the WFP said.Gaza's three-month blockade by Israel has pushed more than 2 million people to the brink of starvation. Although Israel has allowed some aid trucks recently, aid organizations say it remains insufficient. According to Israel's coordination body, COGAT, 579 trucks entered last week compared to 600 per day during the previous ceasefire.Must Watch
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