The United States has put forward a fresh proposal to Hamas, utilizing Qatari mediators, in an attempt to free American hostage Edan Alexander and break the deadlock in the ceasefire talks in Gaza, according to a report from Axios, referencing US and Israeli officials.
The plan is based on the idea that Hamas would release Alexander in exchange for a public message from President Donald Trump urging for calm in Gaza and the revival of broader ceasefire discussions. “There is no deal yet,” one US official told Axios.
After Israel resumed military actions in Gaza, efforts to secure a hostage release and ceasefire agreement have come to a standstill, sources mentioned.
In recent days, the US has ramped up pressure on Egypt and Qatar to push Hamas toward a deal that would restore the ceasefire and pave the way for continued talks, according to the Axios report.
Egyptian officials held talks with Hamas representatives in Cairo to present a new proposal aimed at resolving the deadlock. An Israeli official noted that the new proposal was similar to one offered by Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, two weeks ago—an offer Hamas had turned down.
Egypt also cautioned Hamas that it would expel those of its members who were released from Israeli prisons as part of the previous ceasefire agreement and who have been living in Cairo unless the group agrees to release more hostages.
While Hamas leaders outside of Gaza reportedly expressed openness to the Egyptian proposal, Mohammed Sinwar, Hamas’ military leader in Gaza, rejected it, according to US and Israeli officials quoted by Axios.
On Wednesday, Witkoff met with the Qatari Prime Minister to discuss a different approach. This new plan includes the release of Alexander in return for a statement from Trump, which would call for a brief pause in hostilities and allow for the resumption of ceasefire talks. Witkoff later updated Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer on the developments.
On Thursday, officials from Qatar and Egypt held meetings with Hamas representatives in Doha to go over the different proposals, according to Israeli and US officials.
An Israeli official described the latest US-Qatari proposal as “more of an idea than a fully developed plan.”
It remains uncertain, however, whether Hamas will agree to release Alexander in exchange for a statement from Trump alone, without any firm commitment on a ceasefire or additional hostages being freed in return.
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