Hamas ready for indirect talks to resolve Gaza deal’s ‘points of contention’

A day after US envoy Steve Witkoff rejected Hamas’s latest proposal, it is now ready to start a new round of indirect negotiations, aiming to reach an agreement on a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Israel. In a statement on Sunday, the group said it wants the talks to settle “points of contention” and move closer to ending the war in Gaza.

According to Hamas, the goal of the talks is to create a deal that “ensures relief for our people and an end to the humanitarian catastrophe, ultimately leading to a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of the occupation forces.”

The announcement comes a day after Hamas gave an updated proposal to Steve Witkoff. However, Witkoff rejected the new terms, saying the proposal was “totally unacceptable” and “takes us backward.” He added that he hoped Hamas would accept his “framework proposal” to start another round of talks this week.

NO CLEAR SIGN IF HAMAS CHANGED PROPOSAL

It remains unclear if Hamas has changed or withdrawn any of the elements of the proposal it made to Witkoff. The group’s latest statement does not directly say whether it has changed its demands.