Palestinians inspect destruction after an Israeli airstrike hits a residential building in Jabalia, northern Gaza, amid ceasefire talks. (Photo by BBC)
JERUSALEM | Epicstorian News — Hamas has formally responded to the US Gaza ceasefire proposal, pledging to release 10 living Israeli hostages and return the bodies of 18 deceased captives.
This comes as part of a tentative agreement brokered by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who previously gained Israeli approval for the plan, according to the White House.
In its statement, Hamas reiterated key demands: a permanent ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid. Though it was neither a full acceptance nor an outright rejection, the group’s statement marks a significant response to ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Hamas Offers Hostages in Exchange for Prisoner Release
Under the draft terms of the US Gaza ceasefire proposal, Hamas agreed to release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 more. In return, the group seeks the release of an “agreed-upon number” of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody.
According to Reuters, the ceasefire draft includes:
- A 60-day halt in hostilities
- Release of 28 Israeli hostages in the first week
- Further 30 hostages released after permanent ceasefire implementation
- Release of 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and 180 Palestinian bodies
- Humanitarian aid distribution coordinated by the UN and other agencies
Despite the offer, Hamas emphasized that essential conditions such as a full military withdrawal and lasting ceasefire must be included before acceptance.
US Gaza Ceasefire Proposal Highlights Broader Diplomatic Push
The US Gaza ceasefire proposal is part of a wider negotiation effort involving Egypt and Qatar, who previously helped broker a two-month truce that collapsed in March when Israel resumed its offensive operations in Gaza following a full blockade.
The U.S. confirmed that Israel had approved the proposal, yet no official Israeli response has followed Hamas’s counteroffer. The delay in response raises uncertainty over whether the proposal will result in a truce or continued violence.
Ongoing Gaza War Death Toll and Context
The conflict escalated following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 cross-border attack that killed approximately 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 others. In retaliation, Israel launched a full-scale military campaign targeting Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
To date, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reports at least 54,249 Palestinians have died since the war began. The dire humanitarian situation has increased international pressure to finalize a deal under the US Gaza ceasefire proposal.
Ceasefire Talks Continue Amid Stalemate
While Hamas’s pledge to release hostages could advance peace efforts, the group’s conditions and Israel’s silence have left the deal in limbo. Analysts note that the response reflects an openness to negotiation, but significant gaps remain.
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The coming days will determine whether the US Gaza ceasefire proposal becomes a viable framework for de-escalation or another missed opportunity in a protracted and devastating conflict.
