Hamas Seeks Amendments to US Gaza Truce Proposal Amid Deepening Humanitarian Crisis

In a critical development in the ongoing Gaza war, Hamas Seeks Amendments to US Gaza Truce Proposal Amid Deepening Humanitarian Crisis. Hamas has announced its willingness to resume indirect truce negotiations with Israel, aiming for a 60-day ceasefire that could pave the way toward a permanent end to hostilities.

However, the Palestinian group is seeking key amendments to the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire proposal, prompting swift rejection from American and Israeli officials.

As the death toll in Gaza climbs to over 54,400 most of them civilians and aid remains dangerously limited, hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough rest on the ability of mediators to bridge widening gaps between the warring sides.

Hamas Seeks Amendments to US Gaza Truce Proposal Amid Deepening Humanitarian Crisis

Hamas Labels US Ceasefire Proposal as Incomplete

Hamas has not outright rejected the proposed Gaza truce deal but insists the current framework fails to provide essential guarantees. Chief among the group’s concerns is the lack of a clear pathway to a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli military withdrawal from the enclave.

“The proposal talks only of redeployment, not withdrawal,” said Hamas official Basem Naim, arguing that Israel could easily resume operations after hostages are released.

Hamas is asking for a staggered hostage release over the 60-day truce, stronger mechanisms for humanitarian aid distribution, and inclusion of clauses from a previous May 25 agreement such as the formation of an independent technocratic government in Gaza.

Witkoff Rejects Hamas Amendments as “Totally Unacceptable”

Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy appointed by President Donald Trump, swiftly condemned Hamas’s response. Calling it a “step backward,” Witkoff urged Hamas to accept the original US Gaza proposal as a basis for proximity talks, which he claims could begin this week.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Witkoff said: “Hamas should accept the framework proposal we put forward as the basis for proximity talks, which we can begin immediately.” He emphasized that the deal, already accepted by Israel, was the only viable path to a ceasefire and hostage exchange.

Israel and US Present a United Front

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Witkoff’s rejection of Hamas’s proposed changes. “Hamas’s response is unacceptable and sets the situation back,” Netanyahu said, reaffirming Israel’s right to resume military operations if necessary.

The US-backed truce proposal reportedly includes the release of 28 hostages 10 alive and 18 deceased in exchange for over 1,200 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, alongside limited humanitarian aid deliveries.

However, Israel has previously ruled out any deal that does not include Hamas’s disarmament and political dismantlement.

Hamas Emphasizes Need for Permanent End to War

According to a document obtained by Reuters, Hamas’s proposed amendments stress the need for:

• A full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
• Unrestricted travel for Gaza residents through the Rafah crossing
• Restoration of infrastructure water, electricity, sanitation
• International oversight of aid through neutral agencies like the UN and Red Crescent

“We are not rejecting peace, but we will not accept a deal that allows Israel to resume its war after hostages are handed over,” said a Hamas official involved in the negotiations.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Reaches Catastrophic Levels

While diplomatic negotiations stall, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The UN has labeled Gaza the “hungriest place on Earth,” and warned of an impending famine. Aid officials say over 2 million Palestinians are on the brink of starvation, with food, water, and medical supplies running out.

Though Israel recently allowed limited aid truck entries, only 579 trucks entered Gaza last week far below the 600 per day during the previous truce. The World Food Programme reported that many of its aid convoys have been looted by desperate residents, a reflection of the widespread despair inside the enclave.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN’s main relief agency for Palestinians (UNRWA), called the aid delivery efforts “a mockery” and said Gaza was experiencing the worst humanitarian conditions since the war began in October 2023.

Mediation Efforts Intensify

In response to the stalemate, Qatar and Egypt, key regional mediators, issued a joint statement alongside the US affirming their renewed push to revive ceasefire talks. “We are committed to intensifying efforts to overcome the obstacles facing the negotiations,” the statement read.

President Trump has also expressed optimism, stating on Friday that a Gaza ceasefire deal was “close,” though no final agreement has been reached. Analysts caution that the mistrust between the parties and differing goals especially over the future governance of Gaza remain major hurdles.

Civilian Toll Escalates Amid Continued Israeli Strikes

The Israeli military continues its bombardment of Gaza, including a recent strike that reportedly killed Mohammad Sinwar, brother of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

The IDF claims to have destroyed Hamas infrastructure, but aid workers and human rights groups say the campaign has devastated civilian life and infrastructure, including hospitals and schools.

Over 200 journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, along with healthcare workers and aid personnel. On Saturday alone, at least 60 Palestinians were killed in renewed airstrikes, adding to the mounting toll.

Conclusion: Path to Peace Remains Fragile

The Gaza ceasefire negotiations remain in a precarious state. While Hamas has expressed a willingness to re-engage in talks, its proposed amendments have been deemed unacceptable by the US and Israel. The civilian population, meanwhile, continues to suffer unimaginable hardship amid stalled diplomacy and relentless violence.

Whether the coming week’s proximity talks if they occur can close the gap between conflicting demands remains uncertain. As humanitarian agencies warn of famine and mass death, the international community is watching closely, hoping for a breakthrough that can halt the war and bring relief to Gaza’s battered population.

Also Read: Israel Confirms Death of Hamas Chief Mohammad Sinwar in Precision Tunnel Strike

Also Read: Why Hamas is seeking to change the US-proposed Gaza ceasefire deal