Hamas proposes new six-week Gaza truce and hostage-prisoner exchange

Hamas has put forward a proposition for a new six-week ceasefire in Gaza, coupled with a prisoner exchange involving several Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, according to an official from the militant group. This proposal emerges after unsuccessful attempts at mediation and calls for a short-term truce that Hamas hopes will lead to a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a lasting ceasefire.

The plan suggests releasing approximately 42 hostages taken during the October 7 attack, in exchange for 20 to 50 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli detention for each hostage. This marks a significant increase from previous offers and may include women, children, the elderly, and sick hostages as part of the initial exchange. Hamas, recognized as a terrorist organization by several countries including the United States, Israel, and the European Union, has softened its stance, previously demanding an Israeli withdrawal before any hostage release. Now, the group proposes an Israeli pullback from populated areas in Gaza during the ceasefire, alongside unrestricted return of displaced Gazans and increased humanitarian aid.

The long-term ceasefire conditions demand Israel’s full military withdrawal and a comprehensive exchange of all hostages for a mutually agreed number of Palestinian prisoners, with Egypt, Qatar, and the United States overseeing the agreement’s implementation. The conflict, ignited by Hamas’s attack on October 7, has resulted in significant civilian casualties on both sides, with Israel’s counteroffensive in Gaza causing thousands of deaths, primarily among women and children. Israel has rejected demands for withdrawal, viewing it as a concession to Hamas. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office has yet to respond to the new proposal but plans to update Israel’s war cabinet on the truce talks.