Media: US proposes new hostage deal with Hamas amid Gaza ceasefire stalemate

The United States, through Qatari mediators, has presented Hamas with a new proposal aimed at securing the release of American hostage Edan Alexander and breaking the deadlock in ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations, U.S. and Israeli officials confirmed.

However, it remains uncertain whether Hamas will accept the proposal, which hinges on the release of Alexander in exchange for a statement by former President Donald Trump calling for calm in Gaza and the resumption of broader ceasefire talks, Caliber.Az writes, citing Axios.

The negotiations, which had stalled in recent days after Israel resumed military operations in Gaza, have now encountered another hurdle. Israeli ground incursions in Gaza have intensified, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning that further Israeli military expansion in Gaza is imminent unless Hamas agrees to release hostages.

Behind the scenes, the U.S. has applied significant pressure on both Egypt and Qatar to influence Hamas to release hostages and restore a ceasefire, buying time for continued negotiations. Recently, Egyptian officials met with Hamas in Cairo, offering a proposal similar to one put forward by Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff two weeks ago, which Hamas rejected.

Although Egypt threatened to deport Hamas prisoners who were released in a previous ceasefire if no agreement was reached, it was reported that Hamas leaders outside Gaza were open to the Egyptian proposal. However, Hamas' military leader in Gaza, Mohammed Sinwar, rejected it.

In response, Witkoff worked with Qatari officials to develop a new proposal, suggesting the release of Alexander in return for a favorable statement from Trump. This would allow for a temporary ceasefire and the resumption of broader negotiations. On March 26, Witkoff briefed Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer on the latest proposal.

On March 27, Qatari and Egyptian officials met with Hamas in Doha to discuss the options, though some Israeli officials expressed doubts about the clarity and development of the U.S.-Qatari proposal. It is unclear whether Hamas would accept the release of Alexander solely in exchange for a statement from Trump, especially without commitments on a broader ceasefire or prisoner exchanges.

By Khagan Isayev