Israel has presented a counterproposal calling on Hamas to release at least 10 living hostages during the first stage of a 50-day truce, as part of ongoing negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the United States.
According to a report Sunday morning by Israel’s Army Radio, Israel is requesting the release of 10 to 12 live hostages, as well as the return of the bodies of deceased captives.
This demand aligns with a broader framework supported by U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, who is actively engaged in shuttle diplomacy to advance the talks.
Jerusalem’s proposal came after Hamas reportedly expressed readiness to release five hostages in exchange for a 50-day cessation of hostilities, a partial IDF withdrawal and the release of hundreds of Palestinian security prisoners.
One of the five is reportedly 21-year-old IDF soldier Edan Alexander, a dual Israeli-American citizen taken captive on Oct. 7, 2023. Arab media reported on Sunday that Hamas had shared an update regarding his condition.
Negotiators are intensifying efforts to reach a resolution ahead of Passover, which starts on the evening of April 12.
According to current IDF estimates, 59 individuals remain in captivity. That number includes at least 35 confirmed deceased.