Watan-In a move that signals possible progress in the indirect ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel, currently hosted in Doha, Qatar, Hamas has agreed to a new proposal that includes the release of an Israeli-American soldier and the remains of four Israelis. Meanwhile, Israel remains focused on extending the first phase of the agreement without committing to negotiations for the second phase.
Hamas announced on Friday that it had received a proposal from mediators to resume ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and had officially responded.
In a statement, the movement affirmed its “full readiness to begin negotiations and reach a comprehensive agreement on the second phase,” calling for Israel to be held accountable for fulfilling its obligations in full.
Hamas also confirmed its approval to release Israeli soldier Aidan Alexander, who holds U.S. citizenship, along with the bodies of four dual-national Israelis.
Unclear Terms of Exchange
It remains unclear what Hamas will receive in return for releasing Aidan Alexander and the four bodies, particularly regarding the number of Palestinian prisoners Israel may release in exchange.
Hamas stated that it “handled the proposal responsibly and positively and submitted its response early this morning.”
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem later explained that the proposal from mediators was intended to “begin the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.”
He noted that in return for releasing the Israeli soldier and the four bodies, Palestinian prisoners would also be released, but did not specify the number.
Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif Al-Qanoua stated that the movement’s decision to release the Israeli-American soldier was aimed at “advancing the full implementation of the agreement.”
He emphasized that Hamas was working with mediators to ensure the agreement’s completion and to hold Israel accountable, despite Israel’s ongoing attempts to evade its commitments.
Al-Qanoua expressed Hamas’ hope that negotiations would ensure the implementation of all phases of the agreement.
Israel’s Response
In contrast, Israel dismissed Hamas’ announcement, claiming the group “has not budged an inch” in ceasefire negotiations and accusing it of psychological warfare.
A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office read:
“While Israel has accepted the proposal from U.S. envoy Steve Wietckoff, Hamas remains firm in its refusal and has not changed its position.”
The statement accused Hamas of “manipulation and psychological warfare”.Netanyahu postponed his official response to Hamas’ acceptance of the mediators’ proposal until Saturday evening.
According to the statement:”Netanyahu is scheduled to hold a meeting with the ministerial team on Saturday evening to receive a detailed report from the negotiation team and decide on the next steps for the release of hostages.”
Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the Israeli delegation participating in ceasefire negotiations in Doha would return to Israel on Saturday evening.
Hamas’ unexpected response seemed to catch Israel off guard, as Israeli officials had previously stated that Hamas was rejecting all proposals. In preparation for renewed military action, the Israeli army was reportedly ready to resume attacks on Gaza.
According to Israel’s public broadcaster, Netanyahu held an urgent assessment meeting following Hamas’ announcement.
A senior Israeli security source told the broadcaster that the mediators’ proposal actually involves the release of five live hostages, which Hamas has not confirmed publicly.
The source added:”Hamas claims to have agreed to the proposal presented by U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler, but this is not the same document currently being discussed in Doha.”
Positive Atmosphere in Talks
On Thursday, Hamas announced the resumption of negotiations with mediators in Doha regarding the ceasefire agreement. Hamas has accused Israel of failing to uphold its commitments and delaying the second phase of the deal.
Meanwhile, Israel’s public broadcaster reported on Wednesday that talks in Doha were proceeding in a “positive atmosphere,” with growing optimism about reaching an agreement.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem responded to media reports about a new U.S. proposal from envoy Steve Wietckoff, saying:
“Israeli media reports about new proposals are aimed at sidestepping the existing Gaza agreement.”
This statement reaffirmed Hamas’ rejection of any modifications to the original agreement.
At the same time, Qassem confirmed that meetings with mediators in Doha were ongoing and reiterated Hamas’ commitment to the agreed terms, including the implementation of the second phase, which entails:
- A complete ceasefire
- A full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
U.S. and Israeli Ceasefire Proposals
Neither the previous U.S. proposal nor the latest version currently being discussed in Doha explicitly guarantees a complete halt to the war or an Israeli withdrawal—which directly contradicts Hamas’ demands.
The original ceasefire agreement stated that the second phase would immediately follow the first phase and last 42 days, during which Israel would commit to ending the war completely.
However, recent media reports revealed that U.S. envoy Steve Wietckoff has presented an updated proposal, which aims to extend the ceasefire for several weeks in exchange for Hamas releasing more captives and allowing increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The updated proposal includes:
- Hamas releasing five living hostages and returning the remains of deceased captives.
- Israel agreeing to a 50-day ceasefire while negotiations continue for a long-term truce.
Reports indicate that this 50-day ceasefire would start on March 1 and end on April 20, providing the U.S. and mediators additional time to negotiate a long-term agreement.
One key element of the proposal reportedly requires Hamas to hand over all remaining captives—both living and deceased—on the final day of the temporary ceasefire, before a permanent truce is implemented.
This aligns with Netanyahu’s preferred approach, which prioritizes:
- Extending the first phase of the agreement
- Hostage exchanges
- Avoiding full implementation of the second phase (which includes a complete Israeli withdrawal and a formal declaration to end the war).
This explains Israel’s positive reception to the updated U.S. proposal, which falls far short of Hamas’ key demand: a total ceasefire and full withdrawal from Gaza.
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