Hamas submits response to US-drafted Gaza ceasefire proposal

Hamas announced on Saturday that it has officially responded to the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal brokered by the United States, a plan that has drawn criticism for allegedly favouring Israel.

“After conducting a round of national consultations, and stemming from our deep responsibility towards our people and their suffering, we have delivered our response to the proposal by US envoy Steve Witkoff to the brotherly mediators,” Hamas said in a brief statement.

The group said its response aims to secure a permanent ceasefire, ensure a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and guarantee the sustained delivery of humanitarian aid to the territory.

As part of the proposed agreement, Hamas stated it is prepared to release 10 living Israeli captives and hand over the remains of 18 others, in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners.