Hamas' Hostage Deal Proposal Elicits U.S. Request for Amendments

In a significant development amid ongoing tensions, Hamas has indicated its willingness to release hostages, but demands key changes to the U.S.-backed ceasefire plan, complicating the path to peace.

Hamas responded to a U.S. ceasefire proposal with an offer to release 10 living Israeli hostages along with the bodies of 18 deceased hostages in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners. However, the group has called for amendments to the proposal, insisting on a permanent truce, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and assurances for a steady flow of humanitarian aid—conditions not included in the current offer.

While the U.S. asserts that Israel has accepted its terms, Israel has not publicly reacted to Hamas' statement. Reports from Israeli sources suggest that Hamas' response is seen as a rejection of the proposal. Hamas communicated its stance through a response to a draft presented by Steve Witkoff, the special U.S. envoy for the Middle East. Witkoff described Hamas's reply as “totally unacceptable” and urged the group to consider the U.S. framework as a basis for forthcoming talks, claiming this approach could enable a 60-day ceasefire agreement.

Hamas is currently facing immense pressure from the dire humanitarian situation affecting 2.2 million residents in Gaza, compelling the movement to navigate a complex landscape of negotiation. Unable to fully accept the U.S. proposal—viewed as less favorable than previous offers—it is equally difficult for Hamas to outright reject it, especially with impending escalations from Israeli military forces.

Reports indicate the U.S. plan includes a 60-day cessation of hostilities, a phased release of hostages, and the distribution of humanitarian aid via established channels. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his reluctance to agree to any amendments that Hamas seeks, emphasizing his commitment to retrieving hostages and continuing military operations if necessary.

In a recent update, Hamas' health ministry reported that 60 individuals were killed and over 280 injured from Israeli airstrikes in a 24-hour period, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Since the onset of the conflict that began with a Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, civilian casualties in Gaza have escalated dramatically, with over 54,000 reported dead. As negotiations continue, the future remains uncertain for both parties amid rising tensions and a deteriorating humanitarian crisis.