Hamas has recently revised its proposal for the release of hostages as part of a ceasefire deal, significantly reducing the number of hostages it is willing to release in the initial phase. According to an Israeli source familiar with the negotiations, Hamas now offers to release fewer than 20 hostages in exchange for a six-week ceasefire, a sharp decrease from the previously discussed number of 40 hostages.
In addition to reducing the number of hostages to be released, Hamas is also calling for the release of more Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a smaller number of hostages. The group is specifically requesting the release of prisoners serving life sentences, indicating a shift in their negotiation strategy.
The Israeli source expressed concerns that the latest counterproposal from Hamas, led by Yahya Sinwar in Gaza, suggests a lack of genuine interest in reaching a deal. The source suggested that Hamas may be attempting to exploit tensions between the US and Israel regarding Israeli military actions in Gaza, as well as domestic pressures on the Israeli government.
Responding to these developments, a Hamas spokesperson, Basem Naim, mentioned that Hamas had proposed a plan to release three captured Israelis each week but emphasized that final numbers were still under discussion.
Aside from the prisoner exchange aspect, Hamas is also emphasizing the need for guarantees related to a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and ensuring unrestricted access for Palestinians to return to northern Gaza.
