Israel proposes releasing Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 11-14 hostages during a month-long truce, while Hamas reiterates demands for full withdrawal and lifting of the Gaza blockade.

Mediators are actively weighing a new proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Gaza alongside the release of 11 to 14 hostages held by Hamas. The recent framework, brought to the table in ongoing talks in Qatar, is seen as part of efforts to halt the conflict. Led by Mossad Chief David Barnea, Israel has reportedly put forward an offer to free a number of Palestinian security prisoners in exchange for the hostages. This marks a pivotal moment in the negotiations amid pressure to resolve the situation.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the proposed agreement does not include a full withdrawal of Israeli forces or a complete cessation of hostilities—conditions Hamas has emphasized in its demands. Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, restated the group’s position, saying, “The movement has confirmed it is open to any deal or ideas that ends the suffering of our people in Gaza and achieve a permanent ceasefire, and the occupation’s withdrawal from all of Gaza Strip,” as part of a televised address.

The intermediary proposals under review include one advanced by Egyptian mediators calling for a brief two-day truce. This would entail the release of four hostages in exchange for several Palestinian prisoners, with a subsequent 10-day negotiation window. Another deal, reportedly being championed by Qatar, suggests the release of two Russian citizens, Alexander Trufanov and Maxim Herkin, in a separate exchange. A Hamas representative commented that these hostages are seen as a “priority” within the broader ceasefire deal, signaling the nuanced nature of ongoing negotiations.

Despite the talks in Doha, a senior Hamas figure in Lebanon expressed skepticism toward Israeli intentions, accusing Israel of employing deception while claiming Hamas remains “flexible in its demands.” Addressing recent developments, he stated, “We do not trust Netanyahu or the US administration. We trust the resistance, our people, and the support fronts.” Meanwhile, Hamas’s leadership appears to be dealing with various diplomatic channels, involving not only Qatari and Egyptian mediators but also Turkish officials, reflecting the complexity of the negotiations.

The proposed truce is gaining traction amid growing public frustration in Israel. Demonstrators have taken to the streets near the Knesset in Jerusalem, calling for the immediate release of hostages and demanding early elections. The internal debate within Israel over prioritizing the return of hostages versus continuing the military campaign against Hamas has intensified, driven by mass protests and political turmoil. Critics of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government accuse him of failing to secure hostages’ release and mismanaging the crisis.

Israeli officials have confirmed that further negotiations are planned in Egypt later this week, where a delegation led by Barnea is expected to discuss the terms of the proposed truce. Simultaneously, Qatari mediators are scheduled to hold talks with Hamas leaders in Doha to determine the group’s willingness to return to the negotiating table. Reports indicate that these engagements could lead to more concrete agreements as early as next week.

These developments come against the backdrop of increasing urgency, with the fate of hostages captured during the October 7 attacks hanging in the balance. The IDF has confirmed that out of 251 hostages initially taken by Hamas, at least 34 bodies have been recovered. Over the last nine months, Israel has successfully secured the release of 109 hostages, and eight more were freed in military rescue operations. The public’s demand for action and the international focus on this crisis have raised the stakes for both Israeli leaders and the mediators involved.