ALBAWABA- A fresh ceasefire proposal backed by the United States has become the latest flashpoint in the Gaza conflict, as contradictory statements from Hamas, Israel, and U.S. officials sow confusion and stall progress.
On Monday, Hamas announced it had accepted a U.S.-backed ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal. The proposed agreement includes a 70-day truce, the release of 10 living Israeli captives, hundreds of Palestinian detainees, including those serving life sentences, and a partial Israeli military withdrawal from key areas in Gaza, such as Salah al-Din road and the Netzarim corridor.
But within hours, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff appeared to refute Hamas's claims, stating that the group had actually rejected the deal.
“What I have seen from Hamas is disappointing and completely unacceptable,” Witkoff told Axios, adding that Israel was ready to move forward and that Hamas should accept the terms.
Israeli media added to the confusion. Channel 14 reported that Israel rejected the latest offer, despite U.S. assurances, with one source claiming Hamas had accepted the deal. Still, Israel refused to commit, especially with clauses pushing toward a permanent ceasefire.
The Israeli Broadcasting Authority, citing an official source, reported that Hamas agreed to a different version of the ceasefire proposal than the one Israel had accepted.
Meanwhile, Haaretz reported that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff conveyed to Israeli Minister Ron Dermer, during their meeting in Rome last weekend, the need to bring the war in Gaza to an end.
A Hamas official speaking to Al Jazeera maintained that the group had accepted the deal in full, noting that it was structured around U.S. proposals previously outlined by Witkoff.
Now, all sides are pointing fingers. Hamas insists the decision is in Israel’s hands. Israel says Hamas is blocking progress. The U.S. envoy blames Hamas for sabotaging a breakthrough.
