In Israel, anticipation grew, and on Saturday afternoon Hamas announced it had conveyed its response to the mediators regarding the \u201cnew Witkoff framework\u201d for a ceasefire and the return of hostages. The terrorist organization refrained from revealing specific details of its reply. U.S. Middle East envoy Steven Witkoff sharply criticized the group in his statement.<\/p>\n
“Totally unacceptable” \u201cThat is the only way we can close a 60-day ceasefire deal in the coming days, in which half of the living hostages and half of those who are deceased will come home to their families,\u201d Witkoff said. He added: \u201cAnd through proximity talks, we can hold substantive, good-faith negotiations to try to reach a permanent ceasefire.\u201d<\/p>\n Ynet reported that Hamas\u2019s reply included several demands: a ceasefire lasting up to seven years, full withdrawal of the IDF from all areas under its control since March, cancellation of the new humanitarian aid model under which assistance is distributed by the GHF fund, and a return to the previous distribution arrangement.<\/p>\n @POTUS<\/a> @VP<\/a> @SecRubio<\/a> @SecDef<\/a> @CIADirector<\/a> @DNIGabbard<\/a> @SusieWiles<\/a> @USAmbIsrael<\/a> @StephenM<\/a> @PressSec<\/a> @StevenCheung47<\/a> @lightstonea<\/a> @LindseyGrahamSC<\/a><\/p>\n I received the Hamas response to the United States\u2019 proposal. It is totally unacceptable and only takes us backward.<\/p>\n Hamas should\u2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Office of the Special Envoy to the Middle East (@SE_MiddleEast) May 31, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n<\/strong>\u201cI received the Hamas response to the United States\u2019 proposal.\u201d Witkoff stated. \u201c It is totally unacceptable and only takes us backward.\u201d According to him, Hamas must accept the framework presented by the Americans as a basis for talks that could begin as soon as next week.<\/p>\n\n