Israel's insistence on releasing all 50 Gaza hostages simultaneously has cast serious doubt over a newly proposed 60-day ceasefire agreement that Hamas accepted Monday, potentially derailing the latest diplomatic breakthrough in the 22-month conflict.
The proposal, brokered by Qatar and Egypt, would secure the release of approximately half the hostages but falls short of Israeli government demands for a comprehensive prisoner exchange.
Israeli government spokesman David Mencer told the BBC that the country isn't interested in "partial deals," signaling a hardened negotiating stance that could torpedo the agreement.
"Things have changed now. The prime minister has laid out a plan for the future of Gaza," Mencer stated, referencing Benjamin Netanyahu's expanded military objectives.
Hamas Accepts Deal Without Amendments
Palestinian sources revealed the proposal would deliver 10 living hostages and 18 deceased captives while both sides negotiate a permanent ceasefire arrangement for the remaining prisoners.
Hamas official Taher al-Nunu confirmed the group approved the ceasefire proposal without seeking modifications, describing it as "a partial deal leading to a comprehensive deal."
The armed group emphasized that permanent ceasefire negotiations would begin immediately upon implementation, addressing previous concerns about temporary agreements that could collapse.
Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman, Majed al-Ansar, said the proposal was "98%" similar to US envoy Steve Witkoff's June framework, which Israel had previously accepted before Hamas rejected it.
"It is within the confines of the Witkoff plan... It's a continuation of that process. Obviously, it's in the details where the devil lies," Ansari explained to reporters in Doha.
Detailed Exchange Terms Emerge
The Egyptian-Qatari proposal outlines a phased prisoner release schedule spanning 60 days, according to Palestinian officials briefed on the negotiations.
Hamas would release eight living hostages on day one, followed by two more on day 50. Dead hostages would be returned in stages: five on day seven, five on day 30, and eight more on day 60.
Israel would reciprocate by releasing 1,500 Gazan detainees, 150 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, and 50 others imprisoned for over 15 years.
Israeli forces would withdraw to positions 800 meters to 1.2 kilometers from Gaza's perimeter during the truce while maintaining control of the strategic Morag and Philadelphi corridors in southern Gaza.
The arrangement represents a significant shift from the original Witkoff plan, which called for releasing all 28 hostages (10 living, 18 dead) within the first week in exchange for 125 life-sentence Palestinian prisoners and 111 Gazaan detainees.
Netanyahu Faces Mounting Political Pressure
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's office maintained its maximalist position, telling journalists: "Israel demands the release of all 50 hostages by the principles set by the cabinet to end the war."
The statement added: "We're in the final stage of defeating Hamas and will not leave any hostage behind."
Netanyahu's Saturday declaration reinforced this stance, demanding Israel would only "agree to a deal on condition that all the hostages are released in one go" alongside Hamas's complete disarmament and Gaza's demilitarization.
The prime minister faces competing pressures from far-right coalition partners who want continued military action until Hamas's total defeat, versus hostages' families and public opinion demanding immediate negotiations.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned against accepting any partial agreement "that abandons half of the hostages and that could lead to the suspension of the war in defeat."
Military Campaign Intensifies Despite Diplomatic Opening
Gaza children are expected to arrive in the UK for medical support as Israel's military campaign shows no signs of slowing despite the ceasefire proposal.
The Israeli cabinet will likely approve plans to occupy Gaza City later this week, where intensifying airstrikes have already forced thousands of Palestinian civilians to flee their homes.
Netanyahu announced Israel's intention to conquer all of Gaza, including areas where most of the territory's 2.1 million Palestinian residents have sought refuge, after indirect Hamas talks collapsed last month.
The prime minister told military commanders Monday that Hamas faces "immense pressure" from ongoing operations, suggesting Israel believes military action strengthens its negotiating position.
Families Demand Government Flexibility
Hostages' families expressed frustration with Netanyahu's rigid conditions, arguing they're sabotaging realistic opportunities for prisoner exchanges.
Einav Zangauker, whose 25-year-old son Matan remains in captivity, criticized the government's approach during an interview with Israeli broadcaster Kan.
"About a month ago, we were closer than ever to signing a deal. The Witkoff outline would have put Israel into intensive negotiations," she explained.
"Netanyahu... is deliberately setting unworkable conditions as an obstacle," Zangauker warned, reflecting growing family pressure on the government.
Israel believes only 20 of the 50 remaining hostages are still alive after nearly two years of conflict, making swift action increasingly urgent for families desperate for their loved ones' return.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Stalled Negotiations
The diplomatic standoff continues as Gaza's humanitarian catastrophe worsens, with at least 62,064 Palestinians killed since the conflict began, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
More than 90% of Gaza's homes are damaged or destroyed, while healthcare, water, and sanitation systems have completely collapsed under sustained military pressure.
UN-backed food security experts warn that the "worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out" due to severe shortages affecting the territory's entire population.
Most Gazans have been displaced multiple times, creating a massive humanitarian emergency that international mediators hope a ceasefire agreement could begin to address.
The original Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages being taken to Gaza, sparking the current military campaign.
Regional Mediators Push for Compromise
Egyptian sources familiar with the negotiations told the BBC that mediators hadn't received any formal Israeli response to the new proposal by Tuesday afternoon.
Qatar and Egypt continue pressing both sides toward compromise, emphasizing the proposal's similarity to previous frameworks that generated initial Israeli acceptance.
The diplomatic window may be closing rapidly as Israel prepares expanded military operations in Gaza City and maintains its maximalist negotiating position.
International pressure for a ceasefire agreement continues mounting as the humanitarian crisis deepens and families on both sides suffer prolonged uncertainty about their loved ones' fate.
Whether Netanyahu's government will soften its all-or-nothing approach remains unclear, but the latest Hamas acceptance creates the most significant diplomatic opening in months for ending the devastating conflict.
0 Comments