Daijiworld Media Network – Gaza

Gaza, Jun 1: Hamas has sought amendments to the latest US-brokered ceasefire proposal for Gaza, drawing sharp criticism from US envoy Steve Witkoff, who called the militant group’s response ‘totally unacceptable.’

According to a senior Hamas official speaking to AP, the group wants changes related to US guarantees, the timeline for hostage releases, delivery of humanitarian aid, and withdrawal of Israeli forces.

A Hamas statement confirmed that its demands focus on a permanent ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and uninterrupted aid flow. It also proposed the release of 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 others in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Witkoff urged Hamas to accept the 60-day ceasefire deal, which would facilitate the release of half the living hostages and could pave the way for further talks. The proposal has already received a nod from Israeli officials, and US President Donald Trump said negotiations are close to finalisation.

Hamas official Bassem Naim accused Israel of backtracking on agreed terms and alleged a “complete bias toward the other side.”

Meanwhile, Gaza continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis. The World Food Programme said 77 food trucks were looted by desperate civilians before reaching their destinations. A witness in Khan Younis said starving residents offloaded a UN convoy at a makeshift roadblock.

Despite Israel allowing limited aid in recent days, aid agencies say it's far from sufficient. An internal UN document noted four looting incidents at aid facilities within three days at the end of May, underscoring the worsening conditions amid ongoing fighting.