Hamas said on Saturday that it submitted its response to mediators regarding United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff’s proposal on a ceasefire and hostage release. “We have submitted our response that includes a permanent ceasefire, a comprehensive withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and ensuring the flow of aid to our people in Gaza,” the group said. Hamas agreed to release ten Israeli hostages and the bodies of 18 deceased hostages, but noted that the number of Palestinian prisoners to be freed should “be agreed upon.” Egyptian media reported that the group asked to release Israeli hostages in five stages, rather than two as suggested by the US. Israel reportedly already accepted the original proposal that would include a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, during which Hamas would hand over living and deceased hostages in return for 125 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,111 detained Gazans.