White House envoy Steve Witkoff rejected today (Monday) the claims made by Hamas that they had accepted the so-called “Witkoff Framework.” In a conversation with journalist Barak Ravid, Witkoff stated: “What I’ve seen from Hamas is disappointing and completely unacceptable,” making it clear that the terror organization’s statements do not reflect the proposal that was actually put forward.
Witkoff explained that Israel had agreed to a deal that includes a temporary 60-day ceasefire and the release of half of the living and deceased hostages. “Israel agreed to release 10 live hostages on the first day of the ceasefire, and another 10 on the final day,” he said, adding that this step would pave the way for meaningful negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire. “This proposal is on the table—Hamas needs to accept it,” he emphasized.
Hamas Presents a Different Version of the Deal
The American envoy noted that Hamas has been presenting the framework differently, demanding American guarantees for ending the war—while Israel insists that the U.S. commitment applies only to managing the negotiation process, not to ending the war itself.
“The American commitment does not involve ending the war,” Witkoff explained. “U.S. agreements relate only to the conduct of negotiations.”
Witkoff’s remarks came in response to reports that Hamas had proposed releasing five hostages at the start of the ceasefire and another five at the end, while the actual framework includes significantly different terms. “Israel’s agreement includes the release of more hostages at once,” he said.
“It Won’t Stay on the Table Forever”
In closing, Witkoff stressed that a deal is on the table, and he believes the time has come for Hamas to agree to it. “I agreed to lead these negotiations,” he said. “This offer is open to all—but it won’t stay on the table forever.”
