TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Hamas on Wednesday stated that it has reached an agreement with the US Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, regarding a general framework for a ceasefire in Gaza.
As reported by Anadolu, the framework includes the release of 10 Israeli hostages and several bodies in exchange for the release of a number of agreed-upon Palestinian prisoners, which is guaranteed by the mediator.
Hamas stated that they are awaiting the final response to this framework, adding that they are making significant efforts to stop the brutal war in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas mentioned that the framework will ensure a permanent ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, aid flow, and a professional committee to take control of Gaza's affairs immediately after the agreement is announced.
Witkoff told reporters at the White House, "We will be sending a new set of terms, which are expected to be delivered today."
"I have a very good sense about the achievement of a long-term resolution -- a temporary ceasefire and a long-term resolution, a peaceful resolution to the conflict," he said.
Witkoff stated that US President Donald Trump will review the proposal after it is submitted.
There has been no direct comment from the Egyptian or Qatari mediators regarding Hamas' statement.
An Israeli official rejected the announcement, describing the proposal as "unacceptable" by Israel and the US, Israeli media reported.
The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper quoted an unnamed Israeli source who denied the agreement with Hamas, claiming it to be "propaganda and psychological warfare."
The source accused Israel of accepting an unspecified initiative by Witkoff, but Hamas rejected the proposal.
Likewise, Israel's Channel 12 quoted an unnamed Israeli official saying, "We are not aware of any agreement reached between Hamas and the US."
The official added that Hamas' attempt to use the term "Witkoff framework" to promote their own vision "will not succeed." He claimed that Israel and the US reject the latest ideas presented by Hamas.
However, Israel's public broadcasting corporation, KAN, reported that Israeli officials involved in indirect negotiations with Hamas spoke of "positive developments" regarding the potential for reaching a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza.
KAN quoted an unnamed Israeli official participating in the talks, who stated that the coming days are "very critical." It also cited an unnamed foreign source who said that if Israel shows flexibility in ending the war, the agreement could be signed tomorrow.
Statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office often come from anonymous sources distributed to the media.
Hamas has repeatedly offered the release of Israeli prisoners "en masse" in exchange for ending the war in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
However, Netanyahu rejected the conditions, instead calling for the disarmament of Palestinian resistance factions and hinting at plans to reoccupy Gaza.
Israel estimates that 58 hostages are still in Gaza, including 20 believed to be still alive. Meanwhile, over 10,100 Palestinian residents are detained in Israeli prisons in appalling conditions, including reports of torture, hunger, and medical neglect, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights groups.
Israeli opposition and the families of the hostages accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war to appease right-wing coalition partners and hold onto power.
Israel, which has rejected international calls for a ceasefire, has conducted brutal attacks on Gaza since October 2023, killing more than 54,000 Palestinian residents, most of whom were women and children.
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