Hamas says it submitted a new truce proposal to mediators in Egypt and Qatar that outlines its “view on the prisoner swap”.
Hamas has presented a ceasefire proposal to mediators and the US that includes the initial release of women, children and elderly hostages in exchange for the freedom of up to 1000 Palestinian prisoners, 100 of whom are serving life sentences.
The proposal indicates that Hamas will agree on a date for a permanent ceasefire after the exchange of hostages and prisoners. After this initial stage, a deadline for the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from Gaza would be agreed upon.
Hamas has said ceasefire negotiations faltered in recent weeks due to Netanyahu’s repeated rejection of their demands, which include a permanent ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the return of the displaced in the south of the enclave to the center and the north and increased aid without restrictions.
In February Israel rejected a draft proposal from Hamas over Netanyahu’s insistence that the war should not end until the terrorist group is destroyed.
