While there remained a possibility of achieving a Gaza ceasefire agreement, it would require a few more days due to Israeli stalling, a senior Hamas source told Reuters on Thursday.

The senior source stated that the group's response to the latest ceasefire proposal included a request for a clause preventing "Israel" from restarting the war in the event that no agreement was reached by the end of the 60-day truce period.

Reuters cited the source as saying that the movement had put forward a new approach for exchanging Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners and detainees, while asserting that this particular issue had not yet been addressed in any discussions. Israeli Channel 12 reported that Hamas is demanding the release of 200 Palestinians serving life sentences for killing Israelis, along with 2,000 others detained in Gaza after October 7, in exchange for freeing 10 living Israeli captives as part of a potential ceasefire deal.

The source also indicated that the response includes revised maps detailing proposed Israeli military redeployments within the Gaza Strip, while clarifying to Reuters that the current negotiations remain focused on reaching a framework agreement rather than a detailed final deal.

This comes as "Israel" recalled its delegation following the most recent round of negotiations, citing the need for "further consultation".

Al Mayadeen's analyst on resistance affairs, Hani Al-Dali, stated that the return of the Israeli delegation indicated a breakthrough in the negotiations, adding that the chances of a deal are increasing and that the ball is in the Israeli court now.

Witkoff expresses disappointment in Hamas, forgets Israeli obstruction

Meanwhile, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff expressed disappointment at Hamas' response, stating, "We have decided to bring our team home from Doha for consultations after the latest response from Hamas, which clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza."

"While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith," he claimed.

The US Special Envoy expressed disappointment in Hamas' actions, stating that the movement's "seflishness" has forced the consideration of alternative measures to secure the captives' release and try to establish greater stability in Gaza. The envoy emphasized a firm commitment to ending the war and achieving lasting peace in the region.

Hamas response submitted

Hamas has submitted its official response to "Israel" in the ongoing negotiations, with its position firmly rejecting the Israeli occupation’s demand to maintain control over 40% of the Gaza Strip, according to Hani al-Dali, a resistance affairs analyst for Al Mayadeen, on July 23.

The response demands binding assurances to halt the aggression once the first 60-day ceasefire concludes, prioritizing reconstruction and humanitarian aid while insisting on strict adherence to the terms established in the March 2 agreement, as stated by al-Dali.

Sources familiar with the negotiations verified al-Dali's remarks, confirming that Hamas and allied Resistance factions had delivered their official response to mediators regarding the proposed ceasefire agreement. The sources indicated the reply primarily addressed three key issues: ensuring unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery, outlining timelines for Israeli troop withdrawals, and securing guarantees for a permanent cessation of assaults.