PM’s office blasts Hamas for rejecting ‘Witkoff proposal,’ says hostage team called back from Doha

Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

After Hamas says it agreed to a proposal to release hostage soldier Edan Alexander — a US citizen — and the bodies of four other slain captives who are dual nationals, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blasts the terror group for rejecting what it calls the “Witkoff proposal.”

“While Israel has accepted the Witkoff proposal,” says the Prime Minister’s Office, “Hamas remains firm in its refusal and has not budged one millimeter.”

The PMO accuses Hamas of engaging in “manipulation and psychological warfare.”

The Witkoff outline, which Israel says was proposed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, would see half of the hostages released immediately, a ceasefire through the end of Passover, and a possible release of all the other hostages if an agreement is reached on ending the war.

Netanyahu is convening top aides and senior ministers on Saturday night to hear a briefing from Israel’s negotiators, who will return to Israel later today, says his office, and to decide on next steps.

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