Gaza: The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, has officially conveyed its response to a recent ceasefire proposal introduced by the United States’ Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Hamas released a statement indicating that their response is the result of extensive internal national consultations. The movement emphasized its significant responsibility towards the Palestinian people and their hardships. The ceasefire proposal, communicated via mediators, seeks to establish a permanent ceasefire, facilitate the comprehensive withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and ensure the delivery of aid to the Palestinian population.

The statement further disclosed that, under the terms of the agreement, Hamas would release ten living Israeli captives and return eighteen bodies in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners. While Hamas did not detail the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released, it underlined the necessity for the agreement to address the broader suffering of Palestinians in the region.

The initiative, spearheaded by Witkoff with the backing of regional mediators, comes after prolonged negotiations between the Israeli government and the Palestinian resistance group reached a standstill. Despite international calls to cease hostilities, Israel’s additional demands have impeded the progress of the ceasefire process. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians, the displacement of hundreds of thousands, and a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.