Mediators Deliver Israel's Objections to Hamas Regarding Ceasefire Proposal

SadaNews - Mediators delivered to Hamas today, Wednesday, the Israeli response to its stance on ceasefire proposals, coinciding with the anticipated visit of U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff to Tel Aviv to discuss the stalled negotiations and the humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip.

"Al-Arabiya TV" quoted unnamed sources as saying that the mediators conveyed to Hamas the points objected to by Israel in the movement's latest response, clarifying that Israel "rejected the principle of exchanging Israeli bodies for Palestinian prisoners," and also "objected to some points regarding repositioning and withdrawal."

The sources added that the delivery of these responses took place today as part of ongoing efforts to bridge the gaps between the two sides and reach a new agreement for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, amidst the stalled negotiations and the mediators' attempts to revive efforts amidst Israeli-American obstinacy.

It is expected that the special envoy of President Donald Trump, Witkoff, will arrive in Israel later today, marking his first visit in three months. The visit comes against the backdrop of the deadlock in negotiations and the worsening humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

Witkoff is scheduled to meet with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials tomorrow, Thursday, to discuss "the humanitarian situation in the sector and ways to enhance aid," according to what Channel 12 reported from two American officials.

One of the American officials hinted that his visit might also include inspecting aid distribution centers run by the "Gaza Humanitarian Foundation" (GHF), which is funded by the U.S. and operates under occupation oversight, inside the Gaza Strip.

The American source stated, "President Trump wants to learn more about the humanitarian situation in Gaza to understand how to provide more assistance to civilians there," as he put it.