Hamas has sharply escalated its demands in response to the latest U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire plan, seeking a phased hostage release and firm guarantees for a permanent end to the war and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. While the group’s initial reaction to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s proposal was “generally positive,” Hamas officials told Al-Sharq Al-Awsat and BBC that the current deal does not meet their fundamental requirements. Watch for more