CAIRO — On Saturday, Hamas declared it would conditionally release an American-Israeli and the bodies of four other hostages provided that Israel upholds the existing ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. Hamas has labeled this proposal an “exceptional deal” to re-establish the truce.
A prominent Hamas official emphasized that renewed discussions regarding the ceasefire’s second phase must commence on the day of the release, with the entire process not to exceed 50 days. In addition, Israel is required to cease blocking humanitarian aid and retreat from a vital corridor near Gaza’s border with Egypt.
Furthermore, Hamas is insisting on the release of more Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages. This information comes from an unnamed official who disclosed details of the secretive negotiations.
The singular American captive currently in Gaza, Edan Alexander, 21, hailing from Tenafly, New Jersey, was captured during Hamas’ assault on October 7, 2023, which sparked the conflict.
Israel has expressed skepticism about the Hamas proposal. While Israel had not immediately responded to the offer, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office had previously accused Hamas of engaging in “manipulation and psychological warfare” upon the initial proposal.
The United States proposed on Wednesday to extend the ceasefire for additional weeks to facilitate talks toward a permanent peace. The U.S. accused Hamas of presenting an accommodating facade publicly, while privately making “entirely impractical” demands.
Negotiations continued in Egypt with senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya arriving in Cairo on Friday. Egypt and Qatar, integral mediators in securing the initial ceasefire, continue to host efforts aimed at restoring it.
There has been no immediate statement from these mediators.
The ceasefire remains in a precarious state. The agreement signed in January required Israel and Hamas to initiate discussions for a second phase in February, involving Hamas’s release of all captives for a lasting peace. However, only preliminary discussions have thus far taken place.
After the truce phase ended at the month’s start, Israel agreed to a new U.S. proposal, where Hamas would release half the remaining hostages for a commitment to deliberations on a permanent truce. Hamas rejected it, accusing Israel of reversing prior agreements and undermining the truce.
As a tactic to pressure Hamas into accepting the new terms, Israel has restricted food, fuel, and other supplies to Gaza and cut off its electricity.
The truce’s initial phase, effective January 19, led to the liberation of 25 Israeli hostages and eight additional bodies in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces withdrew to a buffer zone along the Gaza border, facilitating a surge of humanitarian aid.
An Israeli official declared last month that withdrawal from the Philadelphi corridor near the Gaza-Egypt border will not occur, citing concerns about arms smuggling.
The conflict ignited on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants infiltrated southern Israel, resulting in the death of approximately 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and the abduction of 251 hostages. Currently, 59 hostages remain in captivity, with 24 believed to be alive after others were emancipated under ceasefire deals.
The Israeli military offensive has claimed over 48,000 Palestinian lives, primarily women and children, per Gaza Health Ministry figures, though they have not specified combatant casualties. Israel claims 20,000 militants have been killed, without corroboration.
The conflict has ravaged extensive areas of Gaza, displaced the majority of its populace, and left nearly all reliant on international aid.
