A senior Hamas official has publicly stated that the Palestinian militant group will reject the latest U.S. initiative for a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement. The comments come amidst growing tensions and ongoing military operations in the region.

The White House announced on Thursday that Israel had approved the U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's peace plan and was awaiting a formal response from Hamas. Israeli officials reportedly indicated that, under the proposal, Hamas would hand over ten living hostages and the bodies of eighteen others in a phased exchange for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

However, the Hamas senior official clarified that the proposal does not meet the group's fundamental demands, which include an unconditional end to the conflict. The official indicated that Hamas would respond in due course but emphasized that critical issues remain unresolved—particularly the cessation of hostilities.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly assured hostage families that Israel had accepted Witkoff's plan. Nevertheless, Israeli authorities have not issued an official statement confirming this, with some reports suggesting skepticism regarding Hamas's willingness to cooperate.

Since mid-March, Israel has imposed a comprehensive blockade on Gaza and intensified military operations following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire negotiated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt. The renewed offensive aims to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining 58 hostages, at least 20 of whom are believed to still be alive.

In recent days, Israeli forces launched an expanded ground assault within Gaza, with Netanyahu asserting that troops would "take control of all areas" of the territory. Despite the military escalation, Netanyahu also indicated a possible easing of the blockade, including limited humanitarian aid, to prevent catastrophe.

The humanitarian toll continues to mount, with Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reporting nearly 4,000 fatalities over ten weeks of conflict. The UN estimates that more than 600,000 residents have been displaced by Israeli military campaigns and evacuation orders, with about half a million facing severe food insecurity in the coming months.

During a press briefing in Washington, D.C., White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the U.S. had submitted a ceasefire proposal supported and signed off by Israel. She expressed hope for a ceasefire that would lead to the release of hostages but acknowledged ongoing disagreements.

A senior Hamas figure later contradicted the U.S. claim, stating the offer lacked guarantees for a sustainable ceasefire or guarantees that aid would resume as during previous peace efforts. The official assured that Hamas remains in dialogue with mediators and intends to issue a written response soon.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly told hostage families, "We agree to accept the latest Witkoff plan." However, Israeli officials accused a local reporter of attempting to smuggle a recording device into a meeting with Netanyahu, seemingly casting doubt on the official narrative. Despite this, Netanyahu has steadfastly maintained that Israel's war objectives are contingent on the full return of all hostages and the disarmament or destruction of Hamas.

The conflict, precipitated by Hamas’s October 7 cross-border attack that left approximately 1,200 dead and 251 taken hostage, has resulted in catastrophic casualties. To date, Israel has secured the release of 197 hostages, mostly through temporary ceasefire arrangements, but remains determined to recover all.

Reports from Gaza record at least 54,249 fatalities since the conflict escalated, with the Hamas-run Civil Defence reporting 54 deaths overnight, including civilians killed by Israeli strikes. The Israeli military claims to have targeted "dozens of terror sites" during recent operations, underscoring the ongoing intensity of the conflict.