Hamas has reportedly agreed to a new Egyptian ceasefire plan that involves the gradual release of five hostages, including the last surviving American hostage.
According to Haaretz, citing the Qatar-based Al-Araby Al-Jadeed newspaper, a source familiar with the plan stated that Egypt presented a new ceasefire proposal on Monday. Under the proposal, Hamas would release five hostages in stages and provide information about the remaining hostages. In return, an immediate ceasefire would be implemented.
The report indicates that Egyptian mediators proposed broader discussions following the ceasefire, including a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The source emphasized that Egypt wants to pursue this process only with US guarantees.
According to the newspaper’s Egyptian sources, Hamas agreed to release a total of five hostages in exchange for a 50-day ceasefire, releasing one hostage every 10 days. This period would establish a basis for broader negotiations regarding the return of the remaining hostages and the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza.
The newspaper claims that Hamas supports the plan, but it has not yet been formally presented to Israel. However, Israeli sources have stated that they are aware of the plan’s existence.
However, Israel is reportedly insisting on the release of 11 hostages, approximately half of the total number believed to be held by Hamas. An Israeli official speaking to Haaretz confirmed that this demand remains in place.
Hamas sources say they expect Israel’s position to change soon.
Egypt’s latest plan is based on a recent proposal by US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, who participated in negotiations in Doha. Key elements of the plan include the release of five hostages, including an Israeli soldier and Edan Alexander, the last surviving American hostage, and providing Israel with information about the hostages’ health conditions. In return, Israel would allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and halt its attacks.
According to a Reuters report yesterday, a different proposal presented by Egypt last week stipulates that Hamas would release all remaining hostages at the end of negotiations, in exchange for a US-guaranteed timeline for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Under this proposal, Hamas would release five hostages each week. Simultaneously, Israel would implement the second phase of the January ceasefire.
According to Reuters, the US and Hamas have approved this proposal, but Israel has not yet given a formal response.
