Witkoff sent new proposal to Hamas on hostage, ceasefire: Axios

Witkoff sent new proposal to Hamas on hostage, ceasefire: Axios

In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, White House envoy Steve Witkoff has sent a new proposal to Hamas for a comprehensive deal that includes the release of all hostages in exchange for a ceasefire. According to Axios [1], the proposal was conveyed through an Israeli peace activist and aims to find a diplomatic solution before Israel's planned offensive to occupy Gaza City.

The proposal, which was discussed between Witkoff and President Trump last Sunday, stresses the U.S. message to Hamas: if they release all hostages, good things will happen, but if they don't, it will be tough and nasty for them. This comes as Israel has begun flattening high-rise buildings in Gaza City, which it claims are used by Hamas for military purposes.

Witkoff has also established a new back channel to Hamas through Israeli peace activist Gershon Baskin, who has been in contact with Hamas official Ghazi Hamad for many years. Baskin declined to comment on the matter, but Israeli officials remain skeptical about the effectiveness of Witkoff's back channels, citing past instances where Hamas felt cheated by the U.S.

Meanwhile, Hamas has expressed willingness to go for a comprehensive deal, stating that the release of hostages must take place simultaneously with a declaration of a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The Israeli government, however, is ready to stop the occupation of Gaza City if a real deal is presented to it, indicating a conditional willingness to respond to an initiative that guarantees its security interests and ensures the release of hostages.

The political movement comes amid the ongoing destruction of residential towers in Gaza, which has further complicated the situation and put additional pressure on the efforts of international mediators.

References:
[1] https://www.axios.com/2025/09/07/us-israel-hamas-ceasefire-talks
[2] https://www.tesaaworld.com/en/news/steve-witkoff-delivers-a-secret-offer-from-america-to-hamas-to-end-the-war