U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff addressed Hamas's response to the new hostage deal framework, saying it is "totally unacceptable and takes us backwards." Witkoff added that "Hamas needs to accept our proposal as a basis for negotiations that could begin as early as next week. This is the only way to secure a 60-day ceasefire in the coming days, during which half of the living hostages and half of the deceased would be returned, and where we can discuss a permanent ceasefire."

