On Sunday, various reports emerged suggesting that Israel and Hamas are weighing a potential agreement that could result in the release of approximately 10 living hostages—roughly half of those still in captivity. In exchange, the plan would involve a ceasefire of around two months and the release of Palestinian security prisoners. While details differed between reports, the central framework remained consistent.
Sami Abu Zuhri, a high-ranking Hamas representative, dismissed one version of the proposal, reiterating that Hamas remains committed to freeing all the hostages in a single phase—if Israel agrees to permanently halt the conflict with international assurances.
CNN, quoting an anonymous Hamas source, reported earlier in the day that the organization had given the green light to release nine captives as part of a two-month ceasefire in Gaza. The conditions reportedly include the IDF pulling back to the outskirts of the enclave and the freeing of 300 Palestinian prisoners.
Abu Zuhri firmly rejected the CNN report, labeling it misinformation. He accused Israel of deliberately spreading misleading claims to create confusion and exert pressure on Hamas.
A separate article by Axios indicated that President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is actively pushing a new initiative: the release of ten hostages in return for a 45- to 60-day truce in Gaza, alongside the liberation of a number of Palestinian prisoners.
That report, citing both an Israeli official and a well-placed source familiar with the offer, noted that the latest draft includes reworded clauses designed to give Hamas more confidence that the temporary truce could evolve into a lasting ceasefire.
These latest diplomatic efforts are unfolding even as Israel launches a heightened military campaign in Gaza, described by officials as broader and more forceful than past operations. The strategy includes taking control of the area, displacing civilians, and directly managing humanitarian aid delivery to prevent Hamas from seizing supplies.
Though Israel had halted the entry of humanitarian goods into Gaza in March, it announced Sunday that it would now permit a limited amount of food to be delivered—reportedly under IDF recommendation and influenced by American pressure. This move contrasts with previous statements from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior leaders.
Israeli and Hamas representatives have been in Doha, Qatar, for several days along with Witkoff. However, Axios reported that despite appearances, the actual discussions are not taking place in the Gulf state. One Israeli official described the Doha talks as a “facade.”
“This is not where the real negotiations are taking place at the moment. If Hamas and Israel agree to the principles of the Witkoff proposal, the negotiations will move to Doha to discuss the details,” the official explained.
Witkoff has reportedly been in direct communication with Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. According to the report, Netanyahu “has given a positive response, but with many conditions and reservations.”
The U.S. mediator is also said to be engaging with Hamas leadership in Doha through a discreet backchannel. That channel is reportedly managed by Palestinian-American businessman Bishara Bahbah, who played a key role in securing the recent release of hostage Edan Alexander, a U.S.-Israeli dual citizen and IDF soldier.
Axios added that Hamas was disillusioned with Washington’s role in the talks following Alexander’s release, expecting a more favorable stance from the United States.
The group’s frustration reportedly deepened after a series of Israeli airstrikes last week aimed at senior Hamas figures, including Muhammad Sinwar, the head of the group’s military wing. Some sources on Sunday claimed that Sinwar’s body had been recovered from a tunnel in Khan Younis.
On another front, Channel 12 reported Sunday night that Israel had offered its own framework for a ceasefire, proposing to release over 100 prisoners serving life terms in return for half of the remaining living hostages.
According to that report, the deal would also involve the return of the bodies of half the deceased hostages in exchange for the release of more than 1,000 Palestinians detained in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, massacre.
{Matzav.com Israel}