### Tensions Rise as Hamas Seeks Amendments to U.S. Ceasefire Proposal Amid Ongoing Conflict The Palestinian militant group Hamas has recently clarified its position regarding a ceasefire proposal for the Gaza Strip, asserting that it did not outright reject the plan put forth by U.S. special envoy Stephen Witkoff. Instead, Hamas is seeking amendments to the proposal, which includes a temporary ceasefire and the release of hostages. This development comes amidst ongoing hostilities and humanitarian crises in Gaza, raising concerns about the potential for a more permanent resolution to the conflict. The U.S. has responded critically to Hamas's demands, labeling them as "totally unacceptable" and hindering progress towards peace negotiations [https://caliber.az/en/post/hamas-seeks-stronger-ceasefire-guarantees-presses-us-for-clarity-on-gaza-proposal]. ### Breakdown of the Current Situation and Responses 1. **Hamas's Position on the Ceasefire Proposal** - Hamas has indicated that it is not rejecting the U.S. ceasefire proposal but is instead seeking modifications to ensure a more favorable outcome, including a longer-term ceasefire and humanitarian aid provisions [https://ca.news.yahoo.com/hamas-chief-says-group-did-191913973.html]. 2. **U.S. Response to Hamas's Demands** - U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has dismissed Hamas's proposed amendments as "totally unacceptable," asserting that they undermine the progress made towards a ceasefire [https://www.tovima.com/world/hamas-seeks-ceasefire-amendments-u-s-envoy-calls-response-unacceptable]. 3. **Hostage Negotiations** - In a significant development, Hamas has agreed to release 10 living hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, which is part of the ongoing negotiations surrounding the ceasefire [https://leadership.ng/hamas-to-free-10-hostages-in-response-to-us-plan]. 4. **Humanitarian Concerns** - The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with calls for increased aid and a permanent ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict [https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/hamas-seeks-amendments-to-gaza-ceasefire-proposal-but-us-envoy-calls-it-unacceptable/article69644295.ece]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Ceasefire Proposal Details**: - The U.S. proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire, the release of hostages, and provisions for humanitarian aid [https://www.kpbs.org/news/international/2025/05/31/hamas-seeks-changes-to-gaza-ceasefire-proposal-but-us-envoy-calls-it-unacceptable]. - **Hamas's Counterproposal**: - Hamas's counterproposal emphasizes the need for a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, which has been rejected by Israel [https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/hamas-talk-more-gaza/2025/06/02/id/1213295]. - **Humanitarian Impact**: - Reports indicate that the ongoing conflict has led to significant humanitarian crises, with increasing hunger and suffering among Palestinians [https://www.news24.com/world/totally-unacceptable-us-rejects-hamas-demands-for-permanent-gaza-ceasefire-prisoner-release-20250601-0328]. ### Conclusion: A Complex Path Forward In summary, the situation surrounding the Gaza ceasefire proposal remains fraught with tension and complexity. 1. **Hamas is actively seeking amendments to the U.S. ceasefire proposal**, indicating a willingness to negotiate but also a desire for more favorable terms [https://caliber.az/en/post/hamas-seeks-stronger-ceasefire-guarantees-presses-us-for-clarity-on-gaza-proposal]. 2. **The U.S. has firmly rejected these amendments**, complicating the path to a potential ceasefire [https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-31-05-2025/2025/06/01/id/1213113]. 3. **Humanitarian concerns continue to escalate**, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing conflict [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/31/hamas-submits-response-to-us-led-gaza-ceasefire-proposal]. The ongoing negotiations will require careful diplomacy and a commitment from all parties to address the underlying issues fueling the conflict.