Hamas has released a formal announcement indicating that it intends to issue a response to Israel’s latest ceasefire and hostage release proposal in the near future. “The organization’s leadership is examining the proposal it received from the mediating countries – and will submit its response as soon as possible after the necessary consultations,” the statement read.
The group reiterated its demands, emphasizing that “any future agreement will include a permanent ceasefire, IDF withdrawal, achieving a genuine prisoner exchange deal, and lifting the blockade on Gaza.”
Earlier Monday, Lebanese broadcaster Al-Mayadeen, known for its ties to Hamas, revealed what it claims are the main points of Israel’s offer presented in Cairo.
The deal reportedly outlines a 45-day truce in return for Hamas releasing nine living hostages along with the remains of six others. A major condition attached to the agreement is the complete demilitarization of Gaza.
As part of the second stage of the plan, Hamas would free five additional hostages in exchange for 66 prisoners serving life sentences, as well as another 611 inmates from Gaza. These exchanges would be carried out discreetly, avoiding the kind of public displays Hamas previously staged during similar releases under the January truce.
The offer is said to include provisions for a coordinated method of distributing humanitarian assistance—designed to ensure that aid reaches civilians and isn’t diverted by Hamas, a recurring issue over the past year and a half.
Following the release of the five hostages, humanitarian supplies and shelter equipment would be permitted into Gaza, and the IDF would begin to reposition its forces around Rafah and in the north.
Despite the proposal, Hamas continues to reject any agreement that includes its disarmament and maintains its demand that the conflict conclude on its terms.
{Matzav.com}