Hamas Agrees to Ceasefire Proposal

Hamas has consented to a ceasefire plan lasting 60 days, facilitated by Egypt and Qatar. The arrangement includes the release of 10 living hostages and the return of 18 deceased individuals. In return, Israel is slated to release around 1,700 Palestinian prisoners, along with the bodies of 10 Palestinian terrorists.

Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official, confirmed on Tuesday that the group has approved this plan, which closely resembles a previous proposal from Washington, D.C.

As part of the agreement, the hostages and remains would be released in stages throughout the ceasefire period, mirroring prior exchange deals during the ongoing conflict.

Israeli officials indicated that, after 683 days of captivity, Hamas still holds 50 hostages, with only about 20 of them believed to be alive. Among those confirmed dead are Itay Chen, 19, and Omer Neutra, 22, both Israeli-Americans.

In addition to the 1,700 Palestinian prisoners, Israel would have to release 150 serving life sentences and 50 more with sentences exceeding 15 years. The deal also schedules the return of 10 Palestinian fighters’ bodies for each deceased hostage.

However, Israel has not yet agreed to this proposal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will not entertain a partial hostage release and insists on securing the return of all hostages prior to agreeing to any ceasefire.

Israeli officials mentioned they will respond to international mediators by Friday.

The ceasefire proposal also suggests increased humanitarian aid flow to Gaza through the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, notably excluding the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation supported by the U.S. and Israel.

According to the plan, while Israel can keep its forces in Gaza, it would withdraw approximately half a mile from the borders. A significant sticking point involves both Hamas and Israel negotiating a permanent ceasefire within the respective 60-day peace period.

It remains unclear if Israel will endorse the proposal, especially as Netanyahu recently stated he wouldn’t consider deals that result in a piecemeal release of hostages. He emphasized that all hostages must be freed at the same time, asserting that any incremental agreement “is behind us.”

A spokesperson from Netanyahu’s office reiterated Israel’s commitment to maintaining control over Gaza, highlighting that Hamas appears to be feeling significant pressure.

In line with this, Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, previously told families of Israeli hostages that “piecemeal deals” are off the table.

“We need to shift this negotiation to ‘all or nothing’—everybody comes home,” Witkoff remarked.

Despite Israel’s rigid stance, officials are still reviewing the proposal while they await a response from mediators by Friday. Hamas continues to reject any conditions requiring disarmament before the recognition of Palestinian statehood, while Netanyahu has stated that hostilities will persist until Hamas is completely dismantled.