Hamas has said it has submitted its response to a US-backed proposal for a ceasefire deal in Gaza, rejecting Israeli claims that it had dismissed the plan outright, but stating that it still seeks a “guarantee” of a permanent ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian aid.

Basem Naim, head of Hamas’s political and international relations, told Al Jazeera English that the version of the proposal discussed with Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, differed from the one ultimately presented to the group.

Steve Witkoff, the US Special Envoy to the Middle East, has criticised Hamas’s reply as “totally unacceptable”, claiming it “only takes us backward”.

Israel echoed Witkoff’s stance. A statement from the Prime Minister’s office said: “While Israel has agreed to the updated Witkoff framework for the release of our hostages, Hamas persists in its refusal.”

Israeli minister Itamar Ben Gvir commented that enough opportunities had been missed and it was time to intervene militarily to destroy Hamas.

Under the proposed agreement, Hamas would release ten living Israeli hostages and return the bodies of 18 others, in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners.

Meanwhile, President Trump spent Sunday in Washington, D.C., with no public events scheduled.

Despite diplomatic efforts, attacks have continued across Gaza. Overnight air strikes were reported northwest of Khan Yunis, following new forced evacuation orders issued to all residents in Khan Yunis, Bani Suhaila and Abasan. The order instructed civilians to leave immediately and move west to the Al Mawasi area.

Tragedy continues to unfold: Dr Hamdi al-Najjar, a Palestinian physician who lost nine of his ten children in an Israeli air strike last week, has died in hospital after days in intensive care. His 11-year-old son is the sole survivor of the attack.

On Saturday, more than 20 people were reportedly killed in fresh assaults.

Humanitarian conditions also remain dire. This week, chaotic and deadly scenes unfolded at new food distribution sites operated by the Israel-backed, American Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Palestinians were seen queuing between metal cages for food boxes, guarded by armed contractors.

Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, warned against placing sole responsibility for the crisis on the Israeli prime minister. Posting on X, she said Israel’s policies of genocide, occupation, annexation and apartheid must all be brought to an end.

Al Jazeera.