Hamas presents ceasefire proposal detailing exchange of hostages, prisoners

Hamas has presented a Gaza ceasefire proposal to mediators and the United States that includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for freedom for Palestinian prisoners, 100 of whom are serving life sentences, according to a proposal seen by Reuters.

Hamas said the initial release of Israelis would include women, children, elderly and ill hostages in exchange for the release of 700 to 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. The release of Israeli “female recruits” is included.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on March 14 that a new Gaza truce proposal presented by Hamas to mediators was still based on “unrealistic demands”.

His office said an update on the issue would be presented to the war Cabinet and extended security Cabinet on March 15.

Egypt and Qatar have been trying to narrow differences between Israel and Hamas over what a ceasefire should look like, as a deepening humanitarian crisis has one-quarter of the population in the battered Gaza Strip facing famine.

Egypt is seeking to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, ramp up aid deliveries, and allow for displaced Palestinians in the south and centre of the enclave to move to the north, said President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on March 15.

“We are talking about reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, meaning a truce, providing the biggest quantity of aid,” he told Egypt’s police academy.

He also warned against the dangers of an Israeli incursion into Rafah, on the border with Egypt.

Five months into the war, Mr Netanyahu’s office said in February that it had ordered the military to develop a plan to evacuate Rafah and destroy four Hamas battalions it said were deployed there.

A possible assault on Rafah, where most of the displaced have sought shelter, prompted international concern for its dire consequences.

Hamas said ceasefire negotiations faltered over the past few weeks due to Mr Netanyahu’s rejection of its demands, which include a permanent ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the return of the displaced in the south of the enclave to the centre and the north, and stepping up aid without restrictions.

In February, Hamas received a draft proposal from Gaza truce talks in Paris that included a 40-day pause in all military operations and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages at a ratio of 10-to-one, a similar ratio to the new ceasefire proposal.