Protesters display signs and Israeli flags at an anti-government rally urging action for the release of Israeli captives outside the Israeli Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv on Saturday. – Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images
Hamas has reportedly accepted a new Egyptian plan to release five hostages, including American-Israeli Edan Alexander, in exchange for a renewed ceasefire, a source from Hamas informed CNN.
Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya announced in a televised speech on Saturday that the militant group had responded “positively” to the draft agreement forwarded by Egyptian mediators and agreed to its conditions.
The proposed deal entails the release of five hostages, among them Edan Alexander, in return for a reinstated ceasefire, as per a Hamas source speaking to CNN. Hamas anticipates a return to the initial ceasefire conditions, involving the provision of humanitarian aid and discussions on the subsequent phase of the ceasefire.
This proposal bears resemblance to a previous one put forth by US special envoy Steve Witkoff a few weeks back, though it remains uncertain whether it includes the release of additional deceased hostages.
Al-Hayya emphasized that Hamas has complied fully with the terms of the original ceasefire agreement and hopes that Israel will not impede this new proposition.
In response to the Egyptian offer, Israel has presented a counter-offer, according to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office.
As per a senior Israeli official speaking to CNN on Sunday, Israel’s counter-proposal requests the release of 11 living hostages and half of the deceased hostages in exchange for a 40-day ceasefire. It is believed that there are 24 living hostages in Gaza and that the bodies of 35 deceased hostages are still held in the area.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held discussions yesterday following a proposal from the mediators. Israel has forwarded its counter-proposal to the mediators in close coordination with the United States,” the prime minister’s office stated on Saturday.
Israel also stipulated that during the ceasefire, humanitarian aid must reach civilians, and that the mediators ensure proper care, including food, for the hostages in captivity, according to the Israeli official.
Earlier this month, Israel resumed attacks in Gaza and enforced a complete blockade on humanitarian aid entering the region, declaring that its forces would remain in certain parts of Gaza until all living hostages are released.
Health authorities in Gaza report that at least 50,277 Palestinians have been killed and another 114,095 injured since Israel initiated its military campaign in the territory following terror attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
Reporting contributed by CNN’s Eyad Kourdi. To access more CNN news and newsletters, please register an account at CNN.com.
