Israel is studying a proposal from Hamas for a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of half of its remaining hostages, according to Israeli officials. The plan includes the release of 200 Palestinian convicts and an unspecified number of women and minors, in return for 10 living and 18 deceased hostages.
Egyptian mediators have been pushing the proposal, which includes a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and increased humanitarian aid. The proposal is seen as a potential pathway to a comprehensive agreement to end the war.
Israel initially agreed to the outline but negotiations faltered over some details. Israel demands the release of all 50 hostages before it will consider a truce. Hamas has so far publicly rejected the condition that it lay down its arms and its leaders leave Gaza.
The Israeli government is currently weighing the proposal, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set to convene discussions soon. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Israel Katz has approved plans to capture Gaza City, despite concerns from residents who fear an imminent Israeli ground offensive.
The truce offer comes as tensions remain high in the region. Protests in Israel have been held by supporters of a ceasefire, while Palestinians living in Gaza are divided on whether the proposal will be accepted or rejected. The war has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced most of the population in Gaza.
Israel has demanded that all 50 hostages be released for the war to end, with conditions that include the group’s disarmament and leaders leaving Gaza. Hamas has refused to meet these demands, but is willing to accept an interim accord that would pave the way for negotiations on ending the war.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-weighs-hamas-offer-60-day-gaza-truce-hostage-release-2025-08-19