US envoy Steve Witkoff says Hamas ceasefire response 'only takes us backward,' pushes 60 day truce as path to negotiations with Israel

US envoy Steve Witkoff has rejected Hamas' response to a proposed ceasefire deal as "totally unacceptable," asserting it hinders progress. The US proposal outlines a 60-day ceasefire for hostage release in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Hamas seeks a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal, conditions Witkoff deems incompatible with advancing negotiations.