Hamas confirmed that it did not reject the Wietcuff proposal regarding a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. Instead, it responded to it with a conditionally positive stance aimed at ensuring an end to the genocide in Gaza, accusing the U.S. mediator of retreating and fully siding with Israel.

Hamas official Mahmoud Al-Mardawi said that the movement and the American side had agreed on a document that met the minimum objectives of protecting the Palestinian people. However, the Israeli side rejected it and asked the American side to present it to Hamas as a final, non-negotiable proposal.

Al-Mardawi explained that the modified document is "loaded with disastrous loopholes" — it does not guarantee a real withdrawal from the areas, nor a comprehensive cessation of the war at any stage, nor a sustainable flow of aid. It also fails to guarantee the implementation of any commitments beyond the seventh day of the agreement, the day on which Hamas is supposed to hand over the Israeli captives.

Despite these flaws, the movement responded with "yes", but on the condition that amendments be made to preserve human dignity. "The irony," he added, "is that these amendments are identical, word for word, to what was agreed upon with the U.S. mediator in recent weeks."

He concluded: "Unfortunately, instead of supporting the original consensus document, the American side described our position as a 'step backward' and 'unacceptable.'"