- Hamas offers to release all captives in Gaza in exchange for a lasting ceasefire.
- The proposal includes a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.
- Hamas rejects Israel’s demand for disarmament and removal from the enclave.
- Israel has continued attacks in Gaza despite the ceasefire agreement.
- Rebuilding Gaza is estimated to cost $53.2 billion, per UN and World Bank.
Hamas has proposed releasing all captives held in Gaza in a single phase in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem, outlining the group’s vision for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.
“We are ready for a second phase in which the prisoners will be exchanged in one go, within the criterion of reaching an agreement that leads to a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal from the Strip,” Qassem stated.
Hamas Rejects Israel’s Conditions
Hamas has firmly rejected Israel’s demand for the group’s disarmament and removal from Gaza. “The occupation’s condition of removing Hamas from the Gaza Strip is a ridiculous psychological war, and the withdrawal or disarmament of the resistance from Gaza is unacceptable,” Qassem added.
The rejection highlights the continued tension between the two sides, despite the temporary ceasefire currently in place. Hamas has also doubled the number of captives it plans to release, from three to six, to accelerate the implementation of the deal. This decision, announced by Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, came after mediators requested a faster process to build momentum for the next phase.
Hostage Releases and Israeli Military Actions
Israel has violated the ceasefire multiple times since it began on January 19, according to Palestinian sources. The war lasted over 460 days before the agreement. Since then, Israel has released 1,135 Palestinian prisoners and plans to free 502 more this week. Meanwhile, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have freed 25 Israeli captives.
International pressure has increased, pushing for a collective release instead of a phased one. Families of Israeli hostages have also demanded a faster process. Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently criticized the delays in releasing the captives.
Gaza’s Crisis Deepens
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has caused massive casualties. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, 48,291 people have died, and 111,722 are injured. The Government Media Office in Gaza reports even higher numbers, with at least 61,709 deaths, including those still trapped under rubble.
The humanitarian situation is worsening due to severe restrictions on essential supplies. Israel’s blockade has limited food, water, medical aid, and reconstruction materials, making life even harder for civilians. Last week, Hamas accused Israel of delaying hostage releases by blocking mobile homes and heavy equipment needed for rebuilding.
The destruction in Gaza is overwhelming. A joint assessment by the World Bank, United Nations, and European Union estimates that rebuilding will cost $53.2 billion. Of this, $15.2 billion is needed for housing alone. The report urges immediate action to restore infrastructure and help displaced civilians.
The Challenge of a Lasting Ceasefire
Experts say the biggest challenge is negotiating the long-term terms of the ceasefire. Marwan Bishara, a senior political analyst at Al Jazeera, stated, “The bigger problem is not going to be phase one, but phase two or three of the ceasefire deal. The problem for Israel is that despite having the upper hand, it’s not able to defeat Hamas.”
Israel struggles to control Hamas, which still holds influence over Gaza. Despite ongoing military operations, Israeli leaders have hinted at a possible return to full-scale warfare. Some far-right ministers in Netanyahu’s cabinet even push for a military occupation of the enclave.
Hamas has offered to release all captives in exchange for a permanent ceasefire, creating a chance to end the conflict. However, Israel’s response will determine the deal’s success. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, with thousands of lives lost. As negotiations continue, international mediators will play a key role in shaping the outcome.