Hamas Studies Israeli Ceasefire Proposal Amid Ongoing Gaza Hostage Crisis

CAIRO/JERUSALEM/GAZA — Hamas officials are currently reviewing an Israeli ceasefire proposal that includes the release of 10 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The offer was received on April 14, 2025, and is part of ongoing negotiations aimed at establishing a longer-term truce between the conflicting parties.

The proposal outlines a 45-day ceasefire during which both sides would negotiate the terms for a lasting peace. It stipulates the disarmament of Hamas, an aspect the militant group considers a nonstarter, making an agreement uncertain. According to a Hamas official, the group will not accept any deal that mandates their disarmament or allows for Israeli forces to return to Gaza after an initial withdrawal.

The ceasefire proposal marks a pivotal moment in the conflict, as it includes terms aimed at bringing back hostages, a pressing concern for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Growing public pressure from the families of the hostages has made addressing their return a priority for the Israeli government. The initial phase of the agreement entails releasing hostages in stages, starting with an American-Israeli individual as a gesture to the U.S. on the first day of the truce.

As detailed by Hamas, the release would comprise nine additional Israeli hostages exchanged for 120 Palestinians serving life sentences and over 1,100 detainees held without charge since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023. The proposal also addresses humanitarian aid, stating that it would allow aid into Gaza, contingent on mechanisms that ensure it reaches civilians only.

Hamas has recently engaged in talks with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo to discuss the proposal further. It remains unclear if Israel has sent a delegation to these negotiations.

Since Israel resumed military operations in early March, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has declined drastically. The Israeli military action has resulted in the deaths of over 1,500 Palestinians, leading to widespread suffering amidst a blockade that has cut off essential supplies, including food and medical aid.

In response to the ceasefire proposal, Netanyahu’s office indicated that actions were underway to secure a resolution regarding the hostages. The Tikva Forum, a coalition representing hostages’ families, has confirmed that discussions are in progress regarding the release of the estimated 59 hostages still in custody.

While the talks have encountered significant obstacles, a Hamas official hinted that flexibility could be shown regarding the number of hostages released in a renewed truce. As discussions evolve, it remains critical for both sides to find common ground on key issues affecting the ongoing conflict.

The backdrop of the negotiations is marked by intense military actions; during the last 24 hours alone, at least 38 Palestinians have been killed as a result of Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip. The ongoing hostilities and humanitarian crisis continue to impact the civilian population, prompting calls for an immediate ceasefire from various regional and international stakeholders.