The Palestinian movement Hamas is likely to accept a new offer from US President's envoy Steven Witkoff regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, but with a number of conditions and reservations. This statement was made by the Al Arabiya television channel.
According to its sources in Hamas, the radicals will demand the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza in small groups within 60 days, instead of being released within two days, as previously agreed. In addition, the movement is expected to demand “real guarantees“ by the US for Israel's compliance with the future agreement, since the current proposal by Witkoff, according to the radicals, leaves the Israeli authorities “free will on issues of resuming the war in Gaza“. Al Arabiya sources added that Hamas will probably also protest the lack of a clear plan in the document for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the enclave.
Earlier on Saturday, the Al Hadath TV channel, citing its sources, reported that Hamas representatives had held consultations with the leadership of a number of Palestinian factions and advised the radicals to accept Witkoff's proposal. According to the channel, Hamas colleagues “admitted that the project was not ideal“, but indicated that it “offers a chance“ to cease hostilities in the sector.
On May 29, the Ynet portal reportedthat Witkoff's new proposal provides for an immediate ceasefire in the enclave for 60 days and the release of the remaining 10 hostages in the first week in two stages. According to him, within the first week, Hamas will also have to hand over to Israel the bodies of 18 dead hostages. In response, the Israeli side will release Palestinian prisoners in accordance with previously approved lists. In addition, the document talks about the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza through the UN and other international organizations. The same day, White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt said at a briefing that Israel had approved Witkoff's plan before handing it over to Hamas.
On May 30, the radicals themselves announcedthat they were currently studying the proposal of the US President's special envoy.