The head of Hamas in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, has said the group has not rejected the latest US-backed ceasefire proposal but has requested modifications to ensure the complete end of the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

In a pre-recorded video address on Thursday, al-Hayya — who also serves as Hamas’ chief negotiator — clarified that the group remains engaged in active communication with mediating countries and is open to further negotiations.

“The movement didn’t reject the Witkoff proposal,” he stated, referring to the plan delivered by US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff. “But we have demanded some remarks and improvement to ensure an end to the war.”

Hamas insists that any deal must include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a definitive end to hostilities — conditions the Israeli government has so far refused to accept.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking on May 31, said that his administration had accepted the outlines of the Witkoff proposal, but claimed Hamas continued to reject it.

The current proposal calls for a 60-day truce and the exchange of 28 of the 56 hostages still held in Gaza for more than 1,200 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, along with the entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave.

However, Hamas has reiterated that it will only release the remaining hostages if Israel agrees to end the war entirely. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has maintained that the war will only end once Hamas is disarmed and eliminated from Gaza.

Melissa Enoch

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