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It remains to be seen whether the latest proposal also involves the release of more bodies of hostages who lost their lives.
Hamas terrorists parade in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on the first day of the cease-fire on Sunday, January 19. (Reuters)
Palestinian militant group Hamas has agreed to a new Egyptian proposal to release five hostages, including the American-Israeli Edan Alexander, in exchange for a renewed ceasefire.
According to the CNN report, the Egyptian proposal is similar to one US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff presented earlier.
However, it remains to be seen whether the latest proposal also involves the release of more bodies of hostages who lost their lives.
Hamas has made its expectations clear in exchange for releasing five hostages. The group wants a return to the initial ceasefire terms, allowing humanitarian aid into the area, and an agreement to discuss the next phase of the ceasefire.
According to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office, Israel has also responded to the Egyptian offer with a counter-proposal.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conducted a series of consultations yesterday, following a proposal received from the mediators. In recent hours, Israel transferred its counter proposal to the mediators, in full coordination with the United States,” the office said.
Earlier this month, Israel resumed its attacks in Gaza and implemented a total blockade on humanitarian aid entering the area, sparking concerns about the worsening humanitarian crisis. It warned that its forces would maintain a permanent presence in parts of Gaza until the release of the remaining 24 hostages, who are believed to be still alive.
According to Gaza health authorities, at least 50,277 Palestinians have been killed and 114,095 injured since Israel’s military offensive began in response to Hamas-led terror attacks on October 7, 2023.