Sunna Files Obtains Full Copy of Hamas’s Response to U.S. Envoy’s Ceasefire Proposal

Sunna Files Web has obtained an exclusive copy of the official response by the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, to the ceasefire proposal presented by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. The proposal, focused on ending the war in Gaza and facilitating a prisoner exchange, was submitted through mediators.

In an official statement released Saturday, Hamas confirmed it had delivered its response to the mediators. The group’s reply emphasises a comprehensive ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.

Hamas’s Response (Submitted on 31 May)

“Framework for Negotiations on a Permanent Ceasefire Agreement”

- Duration:
  
  A 60-day ceasefire, during which U.S. President Donald Trump guarantees Israel’s full compliance.

Prisoner and Remains Exchange

Hamas agrees to release 10 living Israeli prisoners and 18 bodies, in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners, as follows:

- Day 1: 4 living Israeli captives

- Day 30: 2 captives

- Day 60: 4 captives

- Bodies:
  - - Day 10: 6 remains
  - - Day 30: 6 remains
  - - Day 50: 6 remains

Humanitarian Aid and Civilian Relief

Upon signing the ceasefire:

- Immediate entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza under the January 19, 2025 Humanitarian Protocol, coordinated via the UN, Red Crescent, and other agencies.

- Rehabilitation of essential infrastructure (electricity, water, sewage, roads, telecommunications).

- Restoration and operation of hospitals, clinics, schools, and bakeries across the Strip.

- Freedom of movement for Palestinians through Rafah crossing—no restrictions on travel or trade.

- During the 60-day period, implementation plans for rebuilding destroyed homes and infrastructure will be finalised, with reconstruction beginning under the oversight of Egypt, Qatar, the United Nations, and others.

Israeli Military Operations

- All Israeli military activities in Gaza cease immediately upon activation of the agreement.

- During the ceasefire:
  - - Military and reconnaissance flights will be suspended for 10 hours daily.
  - - On prisoner exchange days: 12 hours of no aerial activity.

Israeli Withdrawal

- Day 1: After the first 4 prisoners are released, Israeli forces must withdraw to their pre-2 March 2025 positions as defined by the January 19 maps.

Negotiation Topics (to begin Day 1)

Under the mediation of guarantors, talks will address:

- Full exchange terms for all remaining Israeli captives, in return for Palestinian prisoners.

- The declaration of a permanent ceasefire and complete Israeli military withdrawal.

- Before final exchanges take place, a formal announcement of the permanent ceasefire and withdrawal must be made.

Governance and Post-War Arrangements

- A technocratic committee will assume full administrative control of Gaza immediately upon implementation.

- Mutual cessation of hostilities for 5–7 years, guaranteed by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar.

- The President of the United States (Trump) affirms his commitment to ensuring negotiations during the ceasefire lead to a final resolution.

Palestinian Prisoners and Remains

- In exchange for the 10 Israeli captives and 18 bodies, an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners and remains will be released.

- Releases will be synchronous and according to agreed mechanisms.

Information Transparency on Detainees

- Day 10:
  - - Hamas will disclose the status of all Israeli captives (alive or deceased) in its custody.
  - - Israel must do the same for all Palestinians detained since 7 October 2023.

- Both parties commit to ensuring the safety, health, and humane treatment of detainees in accordance with international law.

Final Prisoner Releases

- Upon reaching agreement on a permanent ceasefire and total withdrawal, the remaining 58 names submitted by Israel (alive and deceased) will be released in exchange for a mutually agreed number of Palestinian prisoners.

Guarantors

- The United States, Egypt, and Qatar guarantee:
  - - The 60-day ceasefire,
  - - Continued negotiations until a permanent agreement is reached,
  - - Ongoing humanitarian access and cessation of hostilities.