Hamas rejected the proposed framework for a ceasefire and hostage release deal, government ministers were informed on Wednesday, after the terror group submitted its answer, which was described as a "disappointing" response to both mediators and the United States.
According to a political source, Qatar and Egypt said that Hamas' response "simply does not satisfy" even the mediators themselves. Cairo and Doha rejected the terrorist organization's response - which has not officially been conveyed to Israel - and told Hamas to: "Come back to us with a different answer, we are waiting."
According to the source, "Qatar and Egypt are demanding improvements from Hamas so that negotiations can continue. If their updated answer improves significantly, we can move forward."
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((Photo: Alex Kolomoisky, AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana, REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/Pool))
The government ministers were told that "Hamas continues to impose impossible conditions." Meanwhile, Israel's negotiating team will remain in Doha for now to continue negotiations after the mediators informed Hamas that their response was unacceptable and that they awaited a modified answer.
Earlier, officials expressed optimism that a breakthrough was imminent and amid expectations that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff would travel to Qatar to join the talks in their final stage.
The news comes amid Witkoff's arrival to the region; he had been expected to meet in Europe with Minister Ron Dermer and a Qatari representative in an attempt to finalize details on the way to a new agreement. Israel assessed that the issue was solvable, and defined Witkoff's arrival as "the most important indication of progress in the negotiations."
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Israel had made considerable concessions on the position of troops during the ceasefire after the withdrawal from parts of the Strip. On Wednesday morning, a Palestinian source involved in the negotiations told Ynet that "Israel needs to respond to a compromise to the ceasefire agreement - not just Hamas. The mediators worked to promote a compromise agreement. If Israel agrees - Hamas will also agree. Hamas is already hinting that it agrees."
The main point of contention remained the lines of troop deployment that Israel would observe, with the gap narrowing to several hundred meters. Israel is reportedly willing to pull back approximately 1,000 to 1,200 meters from the Philadelphi route, while Hamas demands 800 meters. Hamas is also expected to press for the release of additional long-term prisoners, with the difference in demands believed to be around 100 to 150 detainees.
First published: 14:55, 07.23.25