GAZA, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Hamas said in an official statement on Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff on a general framework for Gaza ceasefire.
According to Hamas, the framework includes the release of 10 Israeli hostages and several bodies, in exchange for the release of an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners, guaranteed by mediators.
Hamas said it is awaiting a final response to this framework, adding that "it is making significant efforts to halt the brutal war on the Gaza Strip."
The group said the framework "will ensure a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, the flow of aid, and a professional committee assuming control of the Strip's affairs immediately after the agreement is announced."
A Hamas official, who requested anonymity, said on Monday that Hamas has agreed to a proposal presented by Witkoff for a ceasefire in Gaza.
However, Witkoff denies that Hamas has accepted his proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release deal, according to the Axios news site.
Israel has not yet announced its official position on the proposal, while Israeli media outlets have quoted officials as saying that Israel rejects the proposal and will not accept it. ■
