Hamas, June 1 – Hamas has formally responded to a U.S.-backed proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, calling for several amendments to key elements of the plan, including the terms of U.S. guarantees, the timing of hostage releases, aid delivery, and Israeli troop withdrawals, a senior Hamas official told The Associated Press on Saturday.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the negotiations, said the Palestinian group remains engaged with the process but is pushing for changes to ensure a lasting resolution to the nearly 20-month conflict.
In a separate statement, Hamas said the proposal aims to establish a permanent ceasefire, secure a comprehensive Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and guarantee the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.
As part of the exchange framework under discussion, Hamas said it would release 10 living hostages and return the bodies of 18 others in exchange for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
The proposal, which has received approval from Israeli officials, outlines a 60-day cessation of hostilities, according to Hamas and Egyptian mediators familiar with the talks. During this pause, both sides would engage in phased exchanges of detainees, and critical humanitarian aid would be allowed into the besieged territory.
U.S. President Donald Trump said negotiators were “nearing a deal,” underscoring the urgency of reaching an agreement to bring temporary relief to civilians and advance broader diplomatic efforts. More than 58 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza. The war, now approaching its 20th month, has caused widespread devastation and drawn mounting international calls for an end to the fighting.
