Hamas responded Tuesday, June 11, to a U.S.-backed cease-fire proposal for Gaza, suggesting amendments but not fully committing to the terms. Israel is viewing the response as a rejection. 

Hamas insists any cease-fire should lead to a permanent end to the war, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the reconstruction of Gaza, along with the release of Palestinian prisoners. 

“The response prioritizes the interest of our Palestinian people,” Hamas and Islamic Jihad said in a statement. “The need to completely stop the ongoing aggression against Gaza. The Palestinian delegation expressed its readiness to deal positively to reach an agreement to end this war against our people, based on a sense of national responsibility.”

Despite U.S. assertions that Israel accepted the proposal, Israel has continued its operations in Gaza and has not publicly confirmed accepting any deal. 

Met with Indonesian Defense Minister and President-Elect @prabowo, as well as @MalaysiaMFA Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamad Hasan here in Jordan. We talked about the importance of Hamas accepting the ceasefire proposal that is on the table. pic.twitter.com/v7KToJS62D

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) June 11, 2024

The U.S. proposal, backed by the United Nations Security Council, calls for a phased cease-fire, starting with a six-week pause in the war and negotiations for a permanent peace. 

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said any progress in a cease-fire and hostage release deal would come directly from Gaza. 

The United States also responded on Tuesday to a Wall Street Journal report. The outlet obtained messages from Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar saying he believes “more Palestinian deaths work to his advantage” calling civilian deaths “necessary sacrifices.” 

National security spokesperson John Kirby said, “It should surprise and shock no one that a beast like Mr. Sinwar would actually take glee in it.”