A senior Israeli official on Monday dismissed a newly proposed hostage deal brokered by U.S. and Palestinian intermediaries, calling its terms “impossible for any Israeli government to accept” and accusing Hamas of imposing conditions that would undermine Israel’s war aims and ability to secure the hostages’ release.
The official said the framework, presented overnight by Palestinian American businessman Bashara Bahbah and reportedly supported by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, demands terms that amount to a de facto surrender to Hamas. Among the conditions cited: a phased release of only five living hostages on day one and five more after 60 days, contingent on continued negotiations under U.S. supervision; a full Israeli military withdrawal to positions held two months ago; and the entry of comprehensive humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Hamas also reportedly insisted that the agreement be signed between senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya and Witkoff, with a symbolic handshake between the two.
“It is inconceivable that Hamas would decide whether we receive another five hostages two months from now, while we are forced to negotiate how we receive the bodies of others during that period,” the Israeli official said. “No government in Israel would agree to this. This is a draft that does not reflect a genuine willingness to bridge the gaps.”
The official added that the terms are “far removed from the framework initiated by Steve Witkoff, to which Israel is committed,” and described the proposal as a form of capitulation to Hamas.
Despite this, reports circulated Monday that Hamas and Israel had been considering a U.S.-mediated deal involving a 70-day ceasefire, the release of 10 hostages in two stages, and expanded humanitarian access to Gaza. The original proposal, reportedly endorsed by both Bahbah and Witkoff, was said to include a complete ceasefire with American guarantees and negotiations toward ending the war during the truce.
Palestinian sources cited by Al-Mayadeen, a Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese outlet, said Hamas originally proposed a 90-day ceasefire, while the U.S. countered with 60 before settling on 70. Egyptian network Al-Rad also reported Sunday that the deal would include the release of 10 living hostages and the remains of 16 others.
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President Donald Trump, whose administration is spearheading the mediation efforts, addressed the conflict overnight, saying, “We want to see if we can stop it. We spoke with Israel, and we want to see if we can stop this whole situation as soon as possible.”
The proposal marks the latest attempt at indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Hamas. Bahbah, who helped coordinate a previous hostage release, has served as a backchannel intermediary after direct talks between Hamas and Washington were derailed, reportedly due to an Israeli leak.
First published: 07:45, 05.26.25