Asger Risom
The group’s latest response to a U.S.-mediated ceasefire proposal includes demands for withdrawal from Gaza and humanitarian guarantees.
As negotiations drag on and the humanitarian crisis deepens in Gaza, a potential shift emerged over the weekend.
Hamas stated it has officially responded to the latest American proposal for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange—an agreement that would include the release of both living hostages and the remains of those who did not survive captivity.
Ten hostages alive, 18 bodies offered in return for Palestinian prisoners
In a statement issued Saturday evening, Hamas confirmed it had delivered its response to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s ceasefire proposal, which had already been approved by Israel earlier in the week.
As reported by Digi24, the group said it is prepared to release 10 Israeli hostages currently held alive in Gaza, along with the bodies of 18 more individuals.
In return, Hamas demands the release of an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, though no precise figures have been disclosed publicly.
The proposal also includes several broader conditions from Hamas: a permanent ceasefire, a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, and uninterrupted humanitarian aid to residents in the territory.
This proposal aims to achieve a permanent truce, a full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and ensure the delivery of aid to our people,
Hamas said in the statement, as reported by Digi24.
Ceasefire talks intensify as pressure mounts
The Biden administration has stepped up its mediation efforts as the Gaza war enters its 600th day. On Thursday, Israel claimed to have eliminated Mohammed Sinwar, one of Hamas’s remaining senior commanders, while continuing its military campaign aimed at dismantling the group and recovering hostages.
According to Israeli data compiled by AFP, 1,218 people—mostly civilians—were killed during the October 7 attack by Hamas that triggered the war. Of the 251 individuals abducted that day, 57 are still believed to be held in Gaza, with at least 34 confirmed dead.
In response to Hamas’s latest offer, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned Friday that refusal to agree to the terms could lead to the group’s “annihilation.”
Yet despite this rhetoric, Israel has yet to formally state whether it accepts the new terms offered by Hamas.
The toll on civilians continues to grow. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of Israel’s retaliatory campaign. Those figures, considered credible by the United Nations, include a majority of civilians.
With mounting international pressure and deepening shortages of food, medicine, and fuel in Gaza, the next steps from Israel and its allies may determine whether the current round of diplomacy leads to an end—or escalation—of the war.