Hamas Proposes Hostage Exchange Amid Ongoing Conflict with Israel
In response to a ceasefire proposal from the United States, Hamas has announced its willingness to release 10 living Israeli hostages and the remains of 18 deceased captives. In exchange, the group is seeking the release of a specified number of Palestinian prisoners, along with some modifications to the proposed plan. They reiterated their demands for a permanent truce, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and assurances for a steady flow of humanitarian aid—none of which are currently part of the proposed deal.
Hamas’s response does not explicitly reject or accept the U.S. terms, which Washington claims have been accepted by Israel. The group’s communication regarding the U.S. draft was conveyed through Steve Witkoff, the special envoy for the Middle East under former President Donald Trump. Witkoff characterized Hamas’s response as "totally unacceptable," emphasizing that it deviates from the proposed framework for proximity talks. He urged Hamas to accept the U.S. proposal as a basis for negotiations, suggesting that doing so could lead to a 60-day ceasefire deal in the coming days.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that while Israel is on board with Witkoff’s updated outline for hostage release, Hamas remains resistant. The group, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., UK, and EU, continues to demand a "permanent ceasefire" and a total withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. In its latest stance, Hamas has insisted on a consistent flow of aid for the Palestinian population and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Currently, Hamas faces unprecedented challenges due to the ongoing war and the dire conditions experienced by the 2.2 million residents of Gaza. Under immense pressure, the group struggles to accept a U.S. proposal perceived as less favorable than previous offers it has declined, including one from March. At that time, senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya firmly stated that the group would not agree to partial deals that fail to ensure a complete and lasting resolution to the conflict.
However, with Israel poised to intensify its military offensive in Gaza, Hamas is caught in a precarious position. The group recognizes that outright rejection of the U.S. offer is not feasible given their inability to effectively counter Israeli military actions. Consequently, Hamas’s response to the U.S. proposal has effectively transformed into a counterproposal.
While the full details of the U.S. plan remain undisclosed, key elements reportedly include:
- A 60-day pause in hostilities.
- The immediate release of 28 Israeli hostages (both living and deceased) in the first week, followed by an additional 30 hostages once a permanent ceasefire is established.
- The release of 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and the remains of 180 deceased Palestinians.
- The provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza through the UN and other agencies.
The terms of this proposal have been tailored to align with Israeli expectations, as the White House sought Israel’s approval before presenting the plan to Hamas. It seems unlikely that Prime Minister Netanyahu will entertain the changes Hamas is requesting, given his commitment to returning hostages and the pressure to maintain a strong stance against Hamas. Netanyahu has consistently stated that the conflict will only conclude when Hamas is disarmed and its leadership is removed from Gaza.
Defense Minister Israel Katz has conveyed a more aggressive stance, stating that Hamas must choose between accepting the "Witkoff Deal" for hostage release or facing annihilation.
Amidst the ongoing violence, the Gaza health ministry has reported that 60 individuals were killed and another 284 injured in recent Israeli airstrikes, not accounting for casualties in the North Gaza Strip due to access issues. Since the onset of Israel’s military campaign following Hamas’s cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages taken, the situation has escalated significantly, with over 54,381 fatalities reported in Gaza.
As both sides navigate this complicated landscape, the prospects for a lasting resolution remain uncertain, underscoring the urgent need for dialogue and humanitarian support in the region.
