Ceasefire Proposal in Flux as Israel Pushes for More Hostages From Hamas
Israel has presented a new proposal in ongoing ceasefire talks with Hamas, calling for the release of at least 10 living hostages as part of the first phase of a 50-day truce. The negotiations, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, have gained urgency ahead of the Jewish holiday of Passover, which begins April 12.
The Israeli counteroffer comes after Hamas accepted an earlier proposal from Egypt and Qatar, which reportedly involved releasing five hostages—including dual Israeli-American citizen Edan Alexander—in exchange for a pause in fighting, increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas has insisted that the remaining hostages will only be freed in return for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire.
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The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that it delivered its response to the mediators following internal consultations and “in full coordination” with the United States. US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff has been deeply involved in advancing the talks.
Tensions remain high after Israel resumed military operations in Gaza nearly two weeks ago, ending a previous ceasefire. That wave of strikes killed hundreds, according to local sources. The White House blamed Hamas for the collapse of the ceasefire, and Israel has vowed to press forward with the war until all 59 remaining hostages are returned. Israeli estimates suggest at least 35 of them are no longer alive.
On Saturday, families of the hostages rallied again in Tel Aviv, urging the government to prioritize a deal. “War will not bring our hostages home, it will kill them,” said Naama Weinberg, whose cousin Itay Svirsky was taken captive and later confirmed dead.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters launched a deadly assault into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251. In response, Israel launched an extensive military campaign in Gaza that has resulted in more than 50,000 deaths, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, and displaced much of the enclave’s population.
