Israel proposes two-phase hostage release plan to Hamas

Israel has proposed a two-phase plan to the Hamas movement, through Egyptian mediators, for the release of hostages held in Gaza, well-informed Egyptian sources told Xinhua on March 22.

The initial phase of the proposal involves Hamas releasing 11 living hostages and the bodies of 16 deceased individuals. This would be followed by a 40-day truce, Caliber.Az reports.

Subsequently, in the second phase, Israel's proposal calls for Hamas to release all the remaining hostages in a single batch.

The United States backs Israel's proposal, which leverages "the current military pressure," according to the sources.

On  March 18, Israel resumed strikes in Gaza, effectively ending a ceasefire with Hamas brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States that began on Januray 19. Israeli forces subsequently launched ground operations across southern, northern, and central Gaza. In response, Hamas made several rocket launches targeting Israeli territory, most of which Israel said have been intercepted.

Gaza’s Health Ministry says at least 49,747 Palestinians have been confirmed dead and 113,213 wounded in Israel’s war on Gaza.

By Khagan Isayev