Hamas Submits Response to US Ceasefire Proposal, Ready to Release Hostages and Bodies for Palestinian Prisoners

Strategic Insights -

Hamas has submitted its response to a proposal presented by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, indicating a significant step towards a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The proposal seeks a 60-day pause in fighting, a comprehensive withdrawal from Gaza, and guarantees from Israel that it will not resume its offensive after Hamas releases hostages. In exchange, Hamas is willing to release 10 living hostages and 18 bodies, as well as 1,100 Palestinian prisoners.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hamas's response to the US proposal is close to a previously reported version, which specified the release of 10 hostages, as well as a number of hostages' remains, in exchange for 1,100 Palestinian prisoners.
  • The proposal aims to achieve a permanent ceasefire, a comprehensive withdrawal from Gaza, and ensure the flow of aid to the population in the Gaza Strip.
  • Hamas's initial reaction to the proposal was lukewarm, with leading Hamas official Basem Naim stating that the proposal does not respond to any of the Palestinian people's demands, including lifting the humanitarian blockade on Gaza.
  • The proposal includes guarantees from Israel that it will not resume its offensive after Hamas releases hostages.
  • Israel's defence minister, Israel Katz, threatened Hamas with "annihilation" if they did not accept the proposal.
  • The current ceasefire proposal is the most serious step towards achieving a ceasefire since March, with negotiations ongoing between Hamas and Israel.
  • Over 54,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its war on 7 October 2023, with 58 hostages still believed to be alive.
  • The Israeli blockade on Gaza has pushed the population of over 2 million to the brink of famine, with aid organizations stating that far from enough food is getting in.

Statistics:

  • Over 54,000 people killed in Gaza since 7 October 2023 (Source: World articles)
  • 58 hostages still believed to be alive (Source: World articles)
  • 2 million people in Gaza pushed to the brink of famine due to the Israeli blockade (Source: World articles)
  • 1,200 people killed by Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 (Source: World articles)
  • 250 hostages taken by Hamas on 7 October 2023 (Source: World articles)
  • 60 people killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza over the last 24 hours (Source: World articles)
  • 72 people killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza on Thursday (Source: World articles)
  • 77 trucks loaded with flour allowed to enter Gaza, but stopped en route by crowds of hungry people (Source: World articles)

Sources:

  • "Hamas says it has submitted response to US ceasefire proposal" (Al Jazeera)
  • "US envoy submits new ceasefire proposal to Hamas" (The New York Times)
  • "Gaza on brink of famine as Israel blocks aid" (The Guardian)
  • "Hamas rejects US ceasefire plan, wants more concessions" (Reuters)
  • "Israel's plan to 'conquer' Gaza -- podcast" (BBC News)