Mediators Explode Over Hamas Ceasefire Demands

International mediators expressed deep frustration with Hamas on Wednesday following what they described as an “unacceptable” response to the latest Gaza ceasefire and hostage release proposal, according to a source closely involved in the mediation efforts.

The response from Hamas, submitted late Tuesday night after days of delays, was seen by some mediators as a setback, especially after prior signs that a deal might be within reach.

According to the source, mediators were particularly frustrated by what they perceived as Hamas dragging its feet before submitting a response.

This included significant new demands and amendments.

Optimism had been rising among mediators just last week when Israel reportedly relaxed some of its original conditions, most notably its military footprint in Gaza during the proposed 60-day ceasefire period.

However, Hamas’s counterproposal sought even further Israeli troop withdrawals, pressing for a pullback closer to Gaza’s borders.

Additionally, an Arab diplomat familiar with the talks said Hamas requested:

• stronger guarantees from mediators to prevent Israel from resuming military operations after the truce;
• changes to the handling of Gaza’s controversial Humanitarian Foundation, and,
• a more favorable prisoner exchange ratio for Palestinian detainees in return for Israeli hostages.

A source involved in the mediation efforts explained that internal divisions within Hamas are complicating the negotiation process.

The group is reportedly split between factions pushing for hardline resistance and others advocating for compromise to secure a deal.

Ultimately, Hamas sided with a more rigid stance, aiming to preserve internal unity, even if that meant risking a delay or collapse in talks.

In response, both Egyptian and Qatari mediators told Hamas they would not forward the group’s latest proposal to U.S. envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.

The mediators instead insisted that Hamas revise its demands to something more workable, the source added.

The growing impatience among the mediators was evident.

One of the mediators, Bishara Bahbah, a Palestinian-American businessman and former campaign surrogate for U.S. President Donald Trump, publicly criticized Hamas’s approach.

Speaking from Doha, Bahbah took to social media to call out the group’s delays, blaming their foot-dragging for continued bloodshed.

“Procrastination has cost the Palestinian people dozens of victims daily,” he tweeted, urging Hamas to avoid unnecessary demands and move forward with the American-backed deal.

“There is no convincing reason for delaying the response or demanding non-essential amendments,” Bahbah said.

Bahbah stressed that any unresolved issues could be addressed during subsequent negotiations after the initial 60-day truce is implemented.

He added, “Let us move forward with a deal with American guarantees that allows everyone to negotiate to reach a permanent ceasefire.”

Meanwhile, further diplomatic efforts continue.

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Israel’s chief negotiator and a close adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is expected to meet with Witkoff in Italy on Thursday.

A senior Qatari official involved in the mediation is also scheduled to attend, according to an official familiar with the process.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce had earlier announced that Witkoff was en route “to the Gaza area,” raising hopes that a resolution might be imminent.

However, the State Department later walked back the statement, clarifying that no travel to Doha had yet been finalized.

Officials confirmed that Witkoff will only join the negotiations in person if a deal appears close to completion.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the talks during a Wednesday briefing, stating,

“We want this ceasefire to happen as soon as possible and we want these hostages to be released.”

Negotiations, which have been ongoing in Doha since July 6, focus on a truce plan involving the release of 10 living hostages and the return of the remains of 18 others.

In exchange, Israel would release an as-yet-undetermined number of Palestinian security prisoners.

If implemented, the 60-day truce would pave the way for further talks aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire and securing the release of the remaining 22 hostages, about 10 of whom are believed to still be alive.

As the diplomatic clock ticks, mediators continue to press Hamas for a more flexible approach that could revive hopes for a much-needed ceasefire and a potential end to the conflict’s most recent phase.

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