US envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday, March 16, 2025, that Hamas's ceasefire proposal is not a suitable basis for negotiations.

"The response we received from Hamas regarding extending the ceasefire in Gaza is completely unacceptable," Witkoff told CNN.

Last Friday, Hamas announced its agreement to release an Israeli-American soldier being held captive, along with the bodies of four detained dual nationals, as part of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

"Our proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza includes the release of five live hostages, including an American citizen," Witkoff explained during the interview.

He continued: "Our proposal includes the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners, which would be great for their families."

The US envoy added, "Hamas's chances are fading, and I advise them to look at what we did to the Houthis in Yemen and to be more realistic in the negotiations."

It is noteworthy that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the negotiating team to prepare for the resumption of Gaza negotiations, in accordance with the mediators' response to the proposal of US envoy Steve Witkoff.

The office said in a statement that Netanyahu "held an in-depth discussion on Saturday evening on the issue of the kidnapped soldiers, with the participation of ministers, the negotiating team, and heads of the security establishment."