US Envoy: Hamas Had ‘Every Opportunity’ Before Fighting Resumed
By The Media Line Staff
Hamas rejected a proposal by US special envoy Steve Witkoff that would have extended a ceasefire in Gaza and allowed for the release of hostages in exchange for the gradual demilitarization of the group, leading to the collapse of the truce and renewed Israeli military action. Witkoff, speaking to Fox News on Sunday, said Hamas “had every opportunity” to accept what he described as a workable deal but “elected not to.”
The proposed arrangement, presented by Witkoff during a March 12 visit to Doha, would have extended the ceasefire through April 19 and seen the release of five living hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a larger number of Palestinian security prisoners. Israel accepted the plan and indicated it was prepared to release 11 living hostages. Hamas initially appeared open to the agreement, but later backtracked, with Witkoff saying he may have been “duped.”
“This is on Hamas,” Witkoff said. “The United States stands with the State of Israel. That’s a 100% commitment.”
Hamas officials have insisted on their original terms, which would require a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. They rejected Witkoff’s modified proposal and refused to disarm, calling demilitarization “meaningless as long as the Israeli occupation exists.”
On March 14, Hamas offered to release the last known living American hostage and the bodies of four others, but the offer was dismissed by Witkoff as a “nonstarter.” Four days later, Israel resumed military operations in Gaza.
Witkoff said the U.S. remains open to diplomacy. “If Hamas reaches out again, we are amenable,” he said. “But if we can’t reach an agreement, the alternative is not a good one.”
On Iran, Witkoff reaffirmed the Trump administration’s position: “It cannot happen, and it will not happen” regarding Tehran acquiring nuclear weapons.
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