Israel responds to new ceasefire, hostage release proposal, counteroffer made

Israel has confirmed that it has received a new ceasefire and hostage release proposal from mediating countries and has responded with a counteroffer.

The announcement came on March 29, following a series of consultations led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the previous night, as stated by the Prime Minister’s Office, Caliber.Az reports per Israeli media.

Israel’s counterproposal was made “in full coordination with the US,” indicating close collaboration with Washington as the negotiations continue. This response follows reports that Hamas had agreed to an Egyptian proposal to release five living hostages in exchange for a 50-day ceasefire in Gaza, which was reportedly set to coincide with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr.

Egyptian officials had confirmed that Hamas accepted the offer, with an anonymous Israeli official speaking to Walla news also suggesting that a ceasefire agreement was likely to start during the holiday. However, Israel’s demands, which include the return of 10 or 11 living hostages for a resumption of the truce, remain unmet, as per previous proposals made by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

The official, speaking to Walla, expressed doubt that an agreement would be reached by Eid al-Fitr, noting that the Egyptian proposal also includes the release of the bodies of slain hostages, although no specific number was provided.

The New Arab news outlet reported that under the Egyptian proposal, US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander would be released. This deal involves the active participation of the United States and Qatar, with Egypt pushing for progress in the ongoing negotiations.

The Egyptian proposal reportedly includes a temporary ceasefire lasting approximately 50 days in exchange for the release of five Israeli hostages, as well as a number of Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, the deal would facilitate the entry of aid into Gaza, including food, medical supplies, and other necessities. Egyptian officials expressed cautious optimism about the prospects for progress.

A senior Egyptian official commented to Al-Akhbar, saying, “Cairo is seeking that all parties, including Washington, push Israel toward making genuine concessions that would guarantee reaching an agreement.”

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel, however, expressed concern over the potential delays and the partial nature of the proposed deal. While they acknowledged any effort to release hostages, they demanded a more comprehensive resolution. The forum stated, “Israel will continue to delay for weeks, which could result in the fate of dozens of hostages being decided — some sentenced to death, and others will disappear.” The forum added that it believed it was possible to secure the return of all 59 hostages in exchange for a permanent end to the war, though no such proposal has been officially offered.

Recent reports indicate that Hamas may be motivated to release a small number of hostages to secure a truce during Eid al-Fitr. The deal could be tied less to the religious holiday and more to recent protests against Hamas throughout Gaza. The protests have reportedly made it difficult for Hamas to maintain control over its territory, as Israeli military operations continue to target Hamas operatives.

Further complicating the situation, sources said that Qatar had presented a new US proposal to Hamas, which would involve the release of Alexander in exchange for a statement from US President Donald Trump calling for calm in Gaza and the resumption of peace negotiations.

By Vafa Guliyeva