Hamas has put forward a fresh cease-fire initiative in the midst of its conflict with Israel, proposing an exchange of hostages in Gaza for Palestinian detainees, as reported.
The Gaza cease-fire proposal was presented to mediators from the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt by the terror group, Reuters disclosed. It entails the liberation of Israeli women, children, elderly, and infirm hostages in return for the release of 700 to 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office seemed to dismiss the Hamas proposition, labeling it as grounded on "unrealistic demands," according to the report.
This new proposal emerges following unsuccessful negotiations aimed at reaching a resolution last week.
Hamas has thus far declined to release all approximately 100 hostages in its custody and has retained the remains of about 30 deceased individuals. Their conditions include the cessation of Israel's ground offensive and withdrawal from Gaza.
Hamas has also emphasized that any agreement should mark the end of the war.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly in Rafah, continues to deteriorate, mediators from the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt have endeavored to bridge the gap between Israel and Hamas.
In a previous rejected draft proposal from February, a 40-day halt to all military activities and the swap of Palestinian detainees for Israeli hostages were suggested, with a proposed ratio of 10 to one.
According to the most recent proposal, Hamas indicated its willingness to establish a definitive cease-fire date subsequent to the initial hostage and prisoner exchange.
The Israel-Hamas conflict was instigated by a Hamas-led assault on southern Israeli communities on October 7. As the conflict surpasses its fifth month, President Biden and global leaders have consistently advocated for peace in the region and have endorsed a two-state solution.
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