The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, has received a new proposal from Egyptian and Qatari mediators regarding a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner exchange deal with the Israeli occupation. The movement has reportedly conveyed its approval of the updated proposal.
According to Reuters, a Hamas official confirmed that mediators were informed of the movement’s agreement to the latest terms, though details were not immediately disclosed. AFP likewise reported that a Hamas delegation headed by Khalil al-Hayya in Cairo received the proposal, which is based on the most recent plan by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. That plan called for a 60-day truce and the release of Israeli prisoners in two stages.
What Are the Proposal’s Main Points?
The proposal aims to launch indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel towards a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, beginning with a temporary 60-day truce that includes a partial prisoner exchange:
- The release of 10 Israeli captives alive and 18 additional bodies, delivered in two stages.
- During the 60 days, comprehensive talks would be held to end the war entirely and to finalise the exchange of remaining captives, estimated at around 10 more living prisoners plus additional bodies, in exchange for ending the genocide, under the guarantees of mediators.
Breakdown of Key Elements
⬛ Number of Prisoners
The deal involves releasing 10 living Israeli captives — roughly half the number the Israeli military claims are held in Gaza — along with 18 bodies, also about half of the Israeli bodies in Palestinian custody.
⬛ Humanitarian Aid
The plan includes commitments to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, though the language is less explicit than the January 17, 2025 ceasefire agreement, whose humanitarian protocols Israel later violated.
⬛ Israeli Withdrawal
The occupation forces would withdraw to positions they held before the January ceasefire collapse, following the handover of captives.
⬛ Administration of Gaza
The proposal outlines “long-term security arrangements” for Gaza. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa announced, alongside Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr al-Din Abdel Ati, at Rafah Crossing that a temporary administrative committee for Gaza is nearing formation.
Full Witkoff Proposal at a Glance
- 60-day ceasefire in which Hamas returns 10 captives alive and 18 bodies from the list of 58 Israelis still held in Gaza.
- Aid begins to flow into Gaza immediately after the agreement, facilitated through agreed channels, including the UN and the Red Crescent.
- Israeli offensive operations, including airstrikes and intelligence flights, halt during the ceasefire, with aerial surveillance paused for 10–12 hours on prisoner exchange days.
- After each stage of exchanges, Israeli forces would redeploy to previously agreed positions.
- On the first day of the truce, mediated negotiations would begin to secure a permanent ceasefire, addressing the release of all remaining captives, Israeli withdrawal, long-term security arrangements, and “day-after” governance scenarios.
Analysts’ Take
Political analyst Ibrahim al-Madhoun commented:
“I believe Hamas has indeed received a new Egyptian proposal, essentially a continuation of the earlier one. It reflects Cairo’s strong desire to resume negotiations from where they left off.”
He added:
“Despite many reservations, the proposal seems to have been carefully discussed with Palestinian factions, making it a serious candidate for negotiations.”
Al-Madhoun emphasized that Hamas’s top priority at this stage is to stop the genocide and end the starvation policy, alongside a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from inside Gaza. Thus, Hamas may move forward with the deal if it guarantees a comprehensive 60-day ceasefire.
Yet he cautioned:
“The central question remains: Will Israel respond positively? So far, the Israeli stance shows no real seriousness in reaching an agreement.”
He noted ongoing Egyptian-Qatari and possibly wider regional efforts to secure a temporary 60-day truce in exchange for releasing 10 Israeli soldiers. Such a pause could allow breathing space if genocide halts and Israel pulls back from Gaza City to previously agreed points. However, he described Israel’s position as “uncertain and evasive.”
The Bigger Picture
Al-Madhoun warned that Palestinians and mediators alike fear Israel may instead escalate by invading and occupying Gaza City, continuing its policies of genocide and mass displacement. This risk explains why regional and international actors are racing to secure a truce — while Israel remains the sole party resisting an end to the massacres carried out before the eyes of the world.
