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Hamas has proposed a comprehensive ceasefire deal that would include discussions about scaling back its missile arsenal in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, an end to the war, and the release of captives held in Gaza, °®ÂþµºÌýhas learned.

The offer emerged during direct talks between Hamas representatives and US Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler.

According to sources familiar with the negotiations, Hamas insisted that any deal must be part of a full package agreement, rejecting partial solutions brought by Boehler during earlier talks.

Hamas' proposal reportedly has the backing of other Palestinian factions in Gaza and extends beyond the enclave to include security arrangements in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

The deal includes a long-term ceasefire lasting over ten years, covering Gaza and the West Bank, while maintaining the status quo in Jerusalem.

In exchange, Hamas expressed a willingness to discuss scaling back its offensive weapons, particularly its missile arsenal. However, the group conditioned such talks on three major demands; Israel's full withdrawal from Gaza, an end to the ongoing war and a prisoner-hostage exchange.

Despite expressing openness to negotiating parts of its military capability, Hamas leadership stressed during the talks that the group would never agree to fully disarm, even in the event of a future Palestinian state.

The group described retaining their defensive weapons as a "non-negotiable principle".

Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif al-Qanoua said on Monday that the movement engaged "flexibly" with efforts from mediators and Boehler, and was now awaiting the outcome of the latest negotiations in Doha.

He stressed that Hamas expects Israel to adhere to the agreement and move forward with the next phase of the ceasefire process.

Boehler defends Hamas talks amid Israeli criticism

It came as Boehler defended his decision to engage with Hamas, following criticism from Israeli officials who accused the US envoy of sidelining Israel in the negotiations.

Speaking to Channel 12, Boehler insisted that the United States was acting independently, stating: "We're not an agent of Israel."

"You’re going to do anything you can to move forward and to get something accomplished," he added.

His remarks frustrated Israeli officials, who told The Times of Israel they were "annoyed" and "surprised" by the envoy’s comments.

Ron Dermer, a close adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly "lashed out" at Boehler for holding talks without Israeli knowledge.

Despite this, Boehler maintained that further talks with Hamas were possible, noting: "Sometimes you're in the area and you drop by."

He expressed optimism that a deal could be reached "within weeks" and emphasised that securing the release of hostages - particularly American citizens - remains Washington’s priority.

In addition to Gaza-related negotiations, Boehler said he would travel to Syria in pursuit of Austin Tice, an American journalist who disappeared there in 2012.

"If he's there, I’m going to bring him home," Boehler said. "If he's dead, I’m going to dig up his remains with the FBI... and we’ll bring them home to his mom."

Tice's case has gained renewed attention following the toppling of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December, which sparked optimism for the journalist's possible return.