Israel has proposed a 45-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which would include the release of 10 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The proposal, received by Hamas on Monday, outlines an initial framework for negotiations on a permanent ceasefire.
According to an official with the militant group, Hamas is “studying” the proposal, which calls for the disarmament of Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of the enclave after the truce begins. However, Hamas will not agree to any proposal that requires its disarmament or sees Israeli forces return to Gaza.
The offer marks Israel’s first proposal to bring back hostages from Gaza since it resumed the war in March. The plan includes the release of a special gesture for the United States, with American Edan Alexander being released on the first day of the truce.
Hamas has previously lied about the fate of hostages and has claimed that they have lost contact with militants holding Alexander, who was bombed by Israeli forces. The proposal demands that Hamas provide information about remaining living Israeli hostages in exchange for information about Palestinian detainees.
The “temporary ceasefire” would also include the cessation of military operations, entry of aid into Gaza, and an agreed mechanism to ensure aid reaches only civilians. Israel has been under pressure from hostage families and a growing number of military reservists to reach a deal.
Netanyahu’s office said that “steps are underway” to reach a new hostage-ceasefire deal in Gaza, with Netanyahu insisting that Hamas release their hostages. The Israeli government is seeking a prisoner swap for the hostages, but talks have been slowed down by Netanyahu pushing aside career national security professionals in favor of his closest adviser.
The proposal has sparked mixed reactions from international mediators and observers, with some expressing skepticism about its chances of success. As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, CNN will continue to follow developments on this developing story.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/15/middleeast/israel-proposes-gaza-ceasefire-deal-to-release-hostages-intl/index.html