President Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, delivered an official statement today (Wednesday) from the White House, confirming that preparations are nearing completion to send a new draft outline to Israel, as part of ongoing efforts to reach an agreement with Hamas. According to Witkoff, President Trump is expected to review the proposal, and the overall direction of the talks inspires cautious optimism.
Witkoff stated that he is feeling “good” about the possibility of a long-term agreement, which would include a temporary ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Preliminary understanding
Earlier in the day, Hamas released a statement claiming it had reached a preliminary understanding with Witkoff on a framework that includes a withdrawal of IDF forces from the Gaza Strip, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the establishment of a civil administration committee in Gaza. In exchange, Hamas would release ten hostages and several Israeli bodies in return for Palestinian prisoners. Hamas said the understandings were brokered with the support of mediators.
“Psychological warfare”
However, Israeli officials firmly rejected the Hamas statement. A senior political source said: “Hamas continues its propaganda and psychological warfare. As President Trump’s special envoy stated two days ago—Israel accepted the outline he proposed, but Hamas remains the party refusing to move forward.” According to the source, the latest proposal submitted by Hamas is unacceptable to both Israel and the Trump administration.
Officials in Jerusalem emphasized that Israel is committed to any proposal that would lead to the return of the hostages—but only in a manner that fully ensures national security. Political officials added that Hamas’s statement should not be seen as real progress and that the demands still being made by the group fall far short of Israel’s and the Americans’ minimum conditions.
