Witkoff calls on Hamas to accept ceasefire and return hostages

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has called on Hamas to accept the latest ceasefire proposal, emphasizing that the return of hostages and closure for grieving families is a matter of basic human dignity.

“Although those who were murdered can never be replaced, this closure is absolutely critical and a minimum of human dignity,” Witkoff said Thursday, following the IDF’s recovery of the bodies of American-Israeli hostages Judith Weinstein Haggai and her husband, Gadi Haggai. The couple was murdered during the October 7 Hamas-led massacre in Kibbutz Nir Oz, and their remains were recovered in Gaza this week after a complex special forces operation.

Witkoff’s appeal comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire. Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya claimed in a video statement that the group had not rejected the US-backed proposal outright, but requested modifications that would include an end to the war and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza conditions Israel has categorically rejected.

Despite these obstacles, negotiations are ongoing with mediation from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. Talks have intensified ahead of Eid al-Adha, which begins Friday, with the hope of reaching a deal or partial agreement. In Doha, Bishara Bahbah, a representative of Witkoff, is continuing direct engagement with senior Hamas officials.

Witkoff’s proposal underscores Washington’s commitment to securing a deal that ensures the release of hostages and provides a path to stability. However, the sticking point remains Hamas’ insistence on future guarantees that negotiations will extend beyond an initial 60-day ceasefire.

As Israel continues its operations in Gaza to recover the living and the deceased, Witkoff’s message resonates: this is not just about politics or policy it is about restoring humanity to those robbed of it by terror.

Israel stands firm in its commitment to bring every hostage home. Share this update and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest on hostage negotiations and regional diplomacy.