U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff’s latest ceasefire proposal for the Israel-Hamas war includes the two-stage release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies, in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire aimed at facilitating negotiations to end the war, according to a report on Thursday.
On the first day, five living hostages and nine deceased hostages would be released, followed by five more living hostages and nine deceased on the seventh day, according to an Israeli source cited by Israel’s Channel 12 News.
The proposal, which has been presented to both Israel and Hamas, would allow Jerusalem to resume military operations if these negotiations fail to yield an agreement, according to Channel 12. Alternatively, talks could continue in exchange for additional hostage releases, according to the report.
As part of the proposed terms, humanitarian aid distribution would return to being managed by the United Nations rather than the Israeli-American Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Additionally, the Israel Defense Forces would withdraw from areas in Gaza captured since the launch of “Operation Strength and Sword” on March 18.
In exchange for the 10 living hostages, Israel would release 125 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,111 Gazan detainees arrested after Oct. 7, 2023. For the 18 bodies, Israel would release 180 bodies of Gazans, in two installments.
U.S. President Donald Trump would declare the ceasefire and act as a guarantor that both parties respect the agreement. Egypt and Qatar would also serve as guarantors.
Under the terms, Israel would immediately halt all offensive military operations in Gaza.
On the tenth day, Hamas would provide a full list of the hostages along with detailed medical reports on their condition.
Intense pressure was applied by both sides concerning the language of the proposal’s war-ending provisions, according to Channel 12. Hamas reportedly claimed in an official statement that it had reached understandings with Witkoff, while Israeli sources suggested cautious optimism about the chances of a deal, citing American messages and mounting military pressure on Hamas in Gaza.
One source familiar with the talks was quoted as saying that Hamas is under “unprecedented pressure” and feels it is not only losing territory, but also control of humanitarian aid and public support.
