Hamas Accepts Egyptian Ceasefire Proposal to Release Five Hostages, Including American-Israeli Edan Alexander

Deal mirrors earlier U.S. initiative; Israel responds with counter-offer amid military threats and renewed Gaza strikes

Cairo [Egypt], March 30: Hamas has agreed to a new Egyptian-brokered proposal that would see the release of five hostages, including American-Israeli Edan Alexander, in exchange for a renewed ceasefire in Gaza, CNN reported citing a Hamas source.

The terms of the proposal closely resemble a previous offer put forth by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. However, it remains unclear whether this latest initiative also includes the return of bodies of deceased hostages.

According to the Hamas source, the group is demanding that in return for the release of the hostages, phase one ceasefire conditions be reinstated, including the entry of humanitarian aid and an agreement to negotiate a phase two truce.

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🔹 Israel Responds with Counter Proposal

Following the Egyptian proposal, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Benjamin Netanyahu held a series of consultations before submitting a counter-offer to the mediators, coordinated with the United States.

“Israel transferred its counter proposal to the mediators, in full coordination with the United States,” read the official statement.

Israeli media suggests the counter-proposal would allow for a temporary truce in Gaza in exchange for the safe return of five Israeli hostages.

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🔹 Tensions Escalate Amid Ceasefire Collapse

The tentative calm was shattered earlier this week as Israel resumed bombardments in Gaza, ending a two-month ceasefire that had previously allowed for dozens of hostage-prisoner exchanges.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Hamas, stating that the Israeli military would maintain permanent control over parts of Gaza if hostages are not released.

“The more Hamas refuses to release the kidnapped, the more territory it will lose to Israel,” Katz said, adding that additional territorial seizures were being planned.

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🔹 Mounting Casualties in Gaza

Since the resumption of Israel’s military campaign, the humanitarian toll has worsened. According to Gaza’s health authorities, at least 50,277 Palestinians have been killed and over 114,000 injured since Israel launched its offensive following the Hamas-led terror attacks on October 7, 2023.

Israel has since imposed a full blockade, halting humanitarian aid and signaling intentions to maintain a permanent presence in seized Gaza zones until all 24 hostages still believed to be alive are returned.

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