Hamas official says Witkoff proposal does not halt war

Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official, has said that the US ceasefire proposal for Gaza does not halt the war on the enclave. 

Naim said on Thursday that the proposal sent by US envoy Steve Witkoff meant "the continuation of killing and famine... and does not meet any of our people's demands, foremost among them halting the war".

"Nonetheless, the movement's leadership is studying the response to the proposal with full national responsibility," he added.

A source close to the group told AFP that the proposal "is considered a retreat" from the previous one it reviewed, which "included an American commitment regarding permanent ceasefire negotiations".

According to reports, the new proposal involves a 60-day truce, potentially extendable to 70 days, and the release of 10 living hostages and nine bodies in exchange for Palestinian prisoners during the first week.

It does not guarantee a permanent end to the Israeli attacks on Gaza.