Hamas Conveys New Proposals For Ceasefire, Will Free The Hostage Of Children To Sick People

The Israeli military in the Gaza Strip. (Source: Israel Defense Forces)

Hamas has submitted a new ceasefire proposal in Gaza to mediators and the United States, including the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, 100 of whom serve life sentences.

Hamas said the initial release of Israeli hostages would include women, children, sick parents and hostages in exchange for the release of 700-1,000 Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons, according to a proposal seen by Reuters.

Israel's "recruitment of women" release is also included. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Office said the new ceasefire proposal in Gaza submitted by Hamas to mediators was still based on "unrealized demands".

His office said the latest developments on the matter would be submitted to the war cabinet and security cabinet on Friday.

Earlier, Israel in February rejected a draft ceasefire proposal from Hamas, arguing their long-standing goal was not to end the war until they destroyed the militant group that controlled Gaza since 2006. Meanwhile, Hamas emphasized that the agreement must end the war.

According to the latest proposal, Hamas said the date of the permanent ceasefire would be agreed upon after the exchange of hostages and initial detainees, as well as the deadline for Israel's withdrawal from Gaza.

The group said all detainees from both sides would be released in the second phase of the plan.

It is known that Egypt and Qatar have tried to narrow the difference between Israel and Hamas over the ceasefire that should have occurred, as the increasingly severe humanitarian crisis left a quarter of the population in the Gaza Strip facing starvation.

Qatari officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Meanwhile, Egypt is trying to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, increasing aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip and allowing Palestinian refugees in the southern and central regions of the enclave to move to the northern region, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said on Friday.

"We are talking about achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, which means a ceasefire, providing assistance in the largest number," said President El-Sisi.

On Thursday evening, Hamas said it conveyed to mediators a comprehensive vision of a ceasefire, based on the halt to what it called Israel's aggression against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, providing aid and assistance, the return of displaced Gazans to their homes and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.