U.S. Initiative to Release Israeli Hostages in Exchange for Ceasefire Extension Amid Tensions
Reports Reveal U.S. Proposal for Hamas to Free 10 Israeli Hostages in Exchange for Prolonged Ceasefire, As Israel Avoids Second Phase of Agreement.
Watan-On Saturday, Israel’s public broadcaster reported on what it described as a new U.S. initiative to secure the release of 10 Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for an extended ceasefire.
The American proposal calls for Hamas to release 10 Israeli hostages in return for a ceasefire extension lasting several months, though no specific timeframe has been provided.
According to analysts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is maneuvering to avoid the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, which mandates an end to the war on Gaza. Observers suggest that Israel is engaging in a coordinated effort with Washington, publicly portraying ceasefire proposals as American-led initiatives, despite the U.S. being a mediator and guarantor of the agreement.
While Washington has not officially confirmed these initiatives, all proposed plans focus on extending the first phase of the deal to release as many Israeli hostages as possible without committing to a full cessation of hostilities. This aligns with Netanyahu’s goal of appeasing the far-right factions in his government.
In this context, Israeli media quoted unnamed sources stating that regional mediators—Egypt and Qatar—are awaiting a visit from Steve Witkoff, a special envoy of former U.S. President Donald Trump, which could take place in the coming days.
Direct U.S.-Hamas Negotiations Without Israeli Involvement
According to these sources, Witkoff is expected to present a U.S. proposal for Hamas to release 10 Israeli hostages in exchange for a ceasefire extension of several months, without specifying an exact duration.
Notably, the negotiations will take place directly between the United States and Hamas, without Israeli involvement.
Israeli estimates indicate that 59 hostages remain in Gaza, of whom 24 are believed to be alive.
The first phase of the ceasefire agreement, which lasted 42 days, ended last Sunday. However, Israel has refused to enter the second phase, which includes ending the war.
Hamas Stresses Commitment to Ceasefire Agreement, Calls for Phase Two Negotiations
Hamas has reaffirmed its commitment to the agreement, which came into effect on January 19, 2025, and has urged mediators to ensure Israel complies with all terms. The group is calling for immediate negotiations on the second phase, which involves an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire.
In a statement earlier today, Hamas—whose delegation has been in Cairo since Friday—confirmed that Egyptian and Qatari mediation efforts remain ongoing to finalize the ceasefire agreement and begin negotiations on the second phase.
Hamas also indicated positive signs in this direction but did not provide further details.
Between October 7, 2023, and January 19, 2025, Israel, with U.S. backing, has carried out what has been described as a genocide in Gaza, killing and injuring over 160,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, with more than 14,000 reported missing.
