Hamas Responds to US' Hostage Deal Amid Israel's Threat of Annihilation

Trump Says Ceasefire Agreement Close; UN Warns of Famine Risk for Gaza's Population

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GAZA CITY - Hamas said on May 31 that it has submitted to mediators its response to a ceasefire proposal presented by US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

The Palestinian group said in a statement that under the deal, it will release 10 living hostages and 18 bodies in return for Israel's release of a number of Palestinian prisoners, Reuters reported.

The Israeli Prime Minister's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Israel on May 30 said Hamas must accept the hostage deal or "be annihilated", as US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire agreement was "very close".

It came amid dire conditions on the ground, with the United Nations warning that Gaza's entire population was at risk of famine.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Hamas must agree to a ceasefire proposal presented by Mr. Witkoff or be destroyed, after the Palestinian militant group said the deal failed to satisfy its demands.

"The Hamas murderers will now be forced to choose: Accept the terms of the 'Witkoff Deal' for the release of the hostages - or be annihilated."

Israel has repeatedly said that the destruction of Hamas was a key aim of the war.

Negotiations to end nearly 20 months of war in Gaza have failed to achieve a breakthrough, with Israel resuming operations in March following a short-lived truce.