Boys ride outside a vehicle loaded with mattresses, blankets, and a giant cistern moving along a road in the west of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. AFP
Hamas confirmed that its leadership received a proposal from mediators yesterday to resume negotiations, adding that “the proposal was dealt with responsibly and positively.”
The group submitted its response early this morning, which entails releasing a dual-national Israeli soldier and the remains of four others with dual nationality.
Hamas further stressed its “full readiness” to begin talks and reach a comprehensive agreement on issues surrounding the second phase of the ceasefire agreement it has with Israel.
The group also called on Israel to hold responsibility, stating, “We call for the occupation to be held to its full commitments.”
On Thursday, the White House envoy Steve Witkoff put forward an updated US proposal to extend the Gaza ceasefire for several weeks in return for further captive releases by Hamas and the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza, according to four sources with direct knowledge who spoke to Axios.
The revised proposal was presented on Wednesday alongside Egyptian and Qatari mediators. However, it is not yet clear how many Palestinian prisoners will be released in return.
The original US proposal, put forward by Witkoff two weeks ago, called for the release of about 10 live captives and around 18 deceased captives.
Hamas accused Israel on Monday of reneging on the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which was brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US and expired on 1 March with no agreement on the subsequent stages that could secure a permanent end to the war.
The group has been pushing for immediate negotiations on the second phase, while Israel and the US have been advocating for an extension of the first phase to avert talks on a permanent end to the war.
Following the expiration of the ceasefire, Israel renewed its deadly blockade on the Gaza Strip on 2 March, followed by cutting off the territory’s electricity supply.
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