Hamas proposed changes including U.S. guarantees for ending the war, altering the timeline for releasing 10 live hostages and 18 bodies of hostages in six tranches during the 60-day ceasefire, and demanding the Israeli Defense Forces fully withdraw to their positions before the previous ceasefire collapsed in March.

Steve Witkoff deemed Hamas's response unacceptable because Hamas rejected the U.S. proposal as a basis for negotiations, demanded numerous changes that set back progress, and insisted on U.S. guarantees for a permanent ceasefire, which were not part of the original framework.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening, with rising hunger and ongoing military actions. Reports indicate that 77 food trucks were blocked from entering Gaza, exacerbating the dire conditions as the conflict approaches 20 months and has caused over 54,000 deaths, mostly among women and children.

Israel, represented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has agreed to the U.S. framework and blamed Hamas for the impasse, stating that Hamas persists in refusing the proposal. Israeli officials hold Hamas responsible for the ongoing war and refuse to release captives or disarm.

The U.S. ceasefire proposal includes a 60-day pause in fighting. Key conditions involve the phased release of hostages — half of the living and deceased hostages returned to their families — and guarantees for serious negotiations to aim for a permanent ceasefire.