Hamas proposes new ceasefire plan, including hostage, prisoner swap

Hamas has presented a Gaza ceasefire proposal to mediators. The heart of this proposal lies in the exchange of hostages and prisoners between Israel and Palestine.

According to the proposal, the initial stage involves the release of Israeli women, children, elderly, and ill hostages in exchange for the freedom of 700 to 1000 Palestinian prisoners. Among these prisoners are 100 Palestinians serving life sentences, alongside Israeli “female recruits.”

Hamas emphasizes that this exchange is a crucial step toward achieving a lasting peace. If agreed upon, it would pave the way for a permanent ceasefire. Additionally, the proposal sets a deadline for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

The humanitarian crisis in the battered Gaza Strip has intensified, with a quarter of the population facing famine. Egypt and Qatar have been actively involved in bridging the gap between Israel and Hamas. However, Israel views Hamas’ position as based on “unrealistic demands.”

This proposal echoes a similar draft received by Hamas in February, which included a 40-day pause in military operations and a 10-to-1 ratio for the exchange of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages. Israel rejected that draft, citing its long-standing goal of not ending the war until Hamas is dismantled.

As the conflict enters its sixth month, the United Nations warns that over 576,000 people in Gaza are on the brink of famine. International pressure mounts on Israel to allow greater access for aid.

The ball is now in Israel’s court, and the world watches closely as negotiations continue. Will this proposal be the catalyst for peace, or will the cycle of conflict persist? Only time will tell.