The Trump administration has put forth a last-minute proposal aimed at securing the release of all Israeli hostages in exchange for an end to the conflict in Gaza. As of now, Hamas has not accepted this offer.
The proposal was relayed to Hamas through civilian Garshom Baskin, who has been involved in Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts and previously played a role in the 2011 release of Gilad Shalit.
This new offer faces significant backlash, especially since many prominent Hamas figures were among the over 1,000 prisoners exchanged for Shalit, including key leader Yahya Sinwar following the events of October 7th.
Regardless, the Trump administration is making another attempt, particularly as Israeli forces are poised to intensify their operations in Gaza and as demonstrations in Tel Aviv call for the proposed deal.
Reportedly, the U.S. has shared updated principles for a comprehensive resolution to the Gaza war:
According to Kan’s public broadcaster, the U.S. has communicated a new set of guidelines to Hamas aimed at facilitating negotiations.
…
Kan’s report indicated that the U.S. offered a hostage exchange proposal that, while not fully detailed, provided a framework for future discussions.
This communication to Hamas was facilitated by Gershon Baskin, a key figure in the earlier negotiations that secured Shalit’s release in 2011 in exchange for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners.
Israel maintains that a mere exchange isn’t sufficient; it demands the simultaneous release of all hostages along with disarmament of Hamas, which the group refuses, insisting on their ability to rescue their own and regain authority.
Currently, around 48 hostages are still held in Gaza, with an estimated 20 believed to be alive.
