Hamas has requested amendments to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal in Gaza, seeking guarantees for a permanent truce and Israeli withdrawal, prompting a sharp rejection from President Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff.

In a statement Saturday, Hamas said it was ready to release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in exchange for Palestinian detainees. However, it demanded a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli military withdrawal, and restoration of infrastructure and aid access. A Palestinian official told Reuters the group also proposed releasing hostages in three phases over the 60-day truce.

Hamas emphasized humanitarian needs, including reopening the Rafah crossing, resuming goods movement, and delivering UN-supervised aid and construction materials to repair Gaza’s devastated hospitals, schools, and bakeries.

U.S. Envoy Deems Hamas Response Unacceptable

Trump’s special Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, dismissed Hamas’s reply: “It is totally unacceptable and only takes us backward.” He urged the group to adopt the original framework for immediate proximity talks. Israel, which previously approved the U.S. outline, said Hamas continues to reject peace terms.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed: “Israel will continue its action for the return of our hostages and the defeat of Hamas.”

Humanitarian Situation Dire as Looting Erupts

Despite limited aid deliveries, Gaza remains under near-total blockade. The World Food Programme said dozens of trucks carrying flour were looted by armed groups and desperate civilians. UNRWA’s Philippe Lazzarini called current aid levels “a mockery of the mass tragedy unfolding.”

Over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed, and much of Gaza lies in ruins. Israel’s campaign, relaunched in March, has further squeezed the enclave’s population into ever-narrower spaces, especially around Khan Younis.

Sinwar Killed, Blockade Tightens

Israel recently confirmed the death of Mohammad Sinwar, Hamas’s Gaza commander, in a strike near a southern hospital. Gaza’s infrastructure continues to deteriorate, with aid agencies increasingly sidelined by non-neutral distributors like the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

Israel blames Hamas for commandeering aid, while Hamas denies such claims and has executed suspected looters. Meanwhile, Washington continues to push for a truce framework as the humanitarian crisis escalates.