The Palestinian armed group Hamas submitted a response to mediators regarding a ceasefire proposal for the Gaza Strip suggested by the U.S., demanding modifications along with the release of some hostages, but it is reported that the U.S. side stated it could not "completely accept" the proposal.
On the 31st (local time), Reuters reported that the ceasefire negotiations have reached a deadlock.
On this day, Hamas stated, "In exchange for the release of Palestinian detainees under the ceasefire agreement, we will return 10 Israeli hostages and the bodies of 18 individuals."
Hamas also added, "This response aims for a permanent ceasefire, Israel's complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and guarantees of humanitarian support for Palestinians residing in the Gaza Strip."
Hamas previously expressed a "positive" view on the ceasefire plan presented by the U.S. side, while it is reported that they are requesting modifications.
On the 29th, U.S. Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff proposed a ceasefire plan for 60 days in the Gaza Strip, conditional on the release of 10 hostages.
According to this ceasefire plan, in the first week of the ceasefire, Hamas must release 10 surviving hostages in two rounds, and also return the bodies of 18 hostages currently held.
This also includes provisions that the Israeli military will withdraw during the ceasefire period and that the distribution of humanitarian supplies will be managed by United Nations (UN) agencies.
The U.S. has expressed a firm stance against Hamas's request for modifications. On the same day, Envoy Witkoff criticized on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), "Hamas's response cannot be fully accepted and will only set us back."
He continued, "Hamas must accept the framework proposal that underpins the indirect talks," and added, "This is the only way to conclude a 60-day ceasefire agreement within a few days."
Hamas appears to seek a permanent cessation of hostilities, yet it seems they are requesting modifications since the U.S. proposal is based on a temporary ceasefire.
The day before, U.S. President Donald Trump stated in the Oval Office regarding the Gaza Strip issue, "We have come very close to an agreement," and noted, "I should be able to talk about it today or tomorrow."