Gaza City – In a significant development in the ongoing Gaza conflict, Hamas has announced its readiness to release all hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Israel halting its military operations. The proposal, communicated to mediators on Thursday, outlines a comprehensive agreement for a full hostage and prisoner exchange if Israel ceases its war efforts.

Hamas’s offer includes a phased release plan spanning 45 days per phase. In the first phase, all female hostages, males under 19, and elderly or sick hostages would be released in exchange for Palestinian female and minor prisoners. The second phase would see the release of remaining male hostages for 1,500 Palestinian prisoners, a third of whom are serving life sentences for the murder of Israelis. The final phase includes the return of deceased hostages and concludes with a mutual agreement to end the war, allowing for the reconstruction of Gaza and a full Israeli military withdrawal​ (The Times of Israel)​​ (The Yeshiva World)​.

The proposal also encompasses additional demands from Hamas, such as the cessation of Jewish access to the Temple Mount, the provision of extensive humanitarian aid, and permissions for infrastructure rebuilding in Gaza. This comprehensive plan aims to address both immediate humanitarian concerns and long-term stability in the region​ (The Yeshiva World)​.

However, Israeli officials have expressed significant reservations about the proposal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior security officials argue that halting military operations now would enable Hamas to rebuild its infrastructure, posing a greater threat in the long term. Netanyahu has maintained a firm stance that the military campaign against Hamas will continue until the organization is fully dismantled​ (The Yeshiva World)​​ (The Times of Israel)​.

The Israeli government is currently deliberating its response to Hamas’s offer. Internal discussions reveal a divided war cabinet, with some officials advocating for a rejection of the proposal, while others suggest negotiating the terms to secure the release of hostages while maintaining pressure on Hamas​ (The Times of Israel)​.

This development highlights the complexity of the ongoing conflict and the challenging road ahead for both parties. As international mediators continue their efforts, the situation remains fluid, with potential implications for the broader region’s stability and humanitarian situation.