Israeli authorities have confirmed through Hebrew media outlets that Egypt has presented a new proposal for a ceasefire in the conflict with Hamas and the release of additional Israeli hostages in Gaza. Some reports suggest that Jerusalem is not outright rejecting the proposal and that it may lead to further negotiations.
According to information from the Saudi news site Asharq, which cited a source involved in the talks between Egypt and Hamas in Cairo last week, the Egyptian initiative outlines a three-stage plan to end hostilities and release all remaining hostages.
The conflict began on October 7 when Hamas led a large group of militants into Israel from Gaza, resulting in the death of around 1,200 people and the kidnapping of over 240, mostly civilians. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza with the objectives of dismantling Hamas, ousting it from power in the coastal enclave, and securing the release of the hostages. A previous week-long truce in November facilitated the release of 105 hostages. Israeli authorities have confirmed
The initial phase of the Egyptian proposal involves a temporary cessation of hostilities lasting two weeks, with the possibility of extension to three or four weeks. In exchange for this pause in fighting, 40 hostages—specifically women, minors, and elderly, particularly those who are unwell—would be released.
As part of this arrangement, Israel would reciprocate by releasing 120 Palestinian security prisoners falling within the same specified categories. Throughout this period, there would be a halt in hostilities, Israeli tanks would withdraw from the region, and humanitarian aid would be permitted to enter Gaza.
The second phase would see an Egypt-sponsored “Palestinian national talk” aimed at ending the division between Palestinian factions — mainly the Fatah party-dominated Palestinian Authority and Hamas — and leading to the formation of a technocratic government in the West Bank and Gaza that would oversee the reconstruction of the Strip and pave the way for Palestinian parliamentary and presidential elections.