Israel Learns Hamas Responses Regarding Gaza's Armistice Proposal

JAKARTA - Israel is studying Hamas' response to its 60-day ceasefire proposal and the release of half of the hostages still detained in Gaza, two state officials said on Tuesday, while another source reiterated that all hostages must be released to end the war.

Attempts to stop fighting have gained new momentum over the past week, after Israel announced plans for a new attack to take control of Gaza City in the heart of the Palestinian enclave.

Egyptian and Qatar mediators have pushed for proposals to restart indirect negotiations between the two sides regarding the US-backed ceasefire plan.

The proposal includes the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned in Israel and an undisclosed number of women and minors, in exchange for 10 live hostages and 18 dead hostages from Gaza, according to a Hamas official.

Two Egyptian security sources confirmed the details, and added Hamas had also requested the release of hundreds of Gaza prisoners.

On the other hand, Israel says a total of 50 hostages are still in Gaza, 20 of whom are still alive.

"Israel's policy is consistent and unchanged. Israel demands the release of all 50 hostages in accordance with the principles set by the cabinet to end the war. We are at a decisive final stage for Hamas and will not leave a single hostage," an Israeli political source said.

The comments, although firm, did not come to a direct rejection of the proposed proposal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to hold discussions on a ceasefire proposal soon, the two Israeli officials said.

The response is expected to be given in the next two days, said a Palestinian source close to the negotiations.

Before Hamas responded to the proposal on Monday, PM Netanyahu had ruled out any deal that excluded the return of all hostages.

Meanwhile, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said the 60-day ceasefire deal would cover "the path to a comprehensive deal to end the war."

The proposal includes the withdrawal of some Israeli troops, which currently control 75 percent of Gaza's territory, and the entry of more humanitarian aid into the enclave, where a population of 2.2 million people is increasingly facing starvation.

Israel had previously agreed to an outline of the deal, submitted by the US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, but negotiations stalled due to some details. The final round of negotiations ended in a deadlock at the end of July.