Gaza Ceasefire Plan for Hostage Release Awaits Hamas Response, Reports Reuters

By Jonathan Landay, Maya Gebeily, Andrew Mills, and Nidal al-Mughrabi

WASHINGTON/BEIRUT/DOHA – Hamas is evaluating a proposed three-phase ceasefire plan aimed at securing the release of most Israeli hostages while not committing Israel to end its ongoing conflict with the Palestinian militant group, as per sources familiar with the discussions.

The feasibility of this plan, crafted by intelligence officials from the U.S., Israel, and Egypt, alongside Qatar’s prime minister, relies on Hamas’s willingness to accept the initial phase without agreeing to a definite cessation of hostilities—a key demand from the group thus far.

"We cannot predict how Hamas will respond," stated Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s prime minister, on Monday.

Hamas confirmed to media that the proposal features three stages, including the release of hostages in its custody and Palestinians detained in Israel. This information aligned with details shared by sources informed about the proposal.

The initial phase would involve the release of men, children, the elderly, and those who are wounded, according to the Hamas statement. The plan has been forwarded to Gaza for consultation with Hamas leaders. "Afterward, the leadership will convene to discuss it and provide their final feedback," the statement noted.

Over 100 Israeli hostages remain in captivity, despite a previous truce in November that resulted in the release of many individuals from both sides.

Discussions regarding variations of the phased ceasefire concept have been ongoing since late December; however, Israel only endorsed the idea after a meeting in Paris between Mossad chief David Barnea, U.S. and Egyptian intelligence leaders, and Sheikh Mohammed.

Sources from Egypt indicated that Qatar, Egypt, and Jordan would ensure Hamas’s compliance with any agreement, while the U.S. and France will offer similar assurances for Israel. The details of these guarantees remain unclear.

Israeli officials did not immediately provide comments on the situation.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh indicated on Tuesday that he is open to proposals that could bring an end to Israel’s operations in Gaza and announced plans to visit Cairo for further discussions on the plan.

The first phase intends to halt hostilities and facilitate the release of elderly individuals, civilian women, and child hostages, according to insiders familiar with the negotiations. In tandem, substantial deliveries of food and medical supplies to Gaza, which is currently facing a dire humanitarian situation, would recommence.

There are differing opinions on the duration of the initial ceasefire, with some sources indicating it may last at least a month.

In the second phase, the plan would call for the release of female Israeli soldiers, further increases in humanitarian aid, and restoration of utility services to Gaza. The final phase would involve the return of deceased Israeli soldiers’ bodies in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas’s statement clarified that the second phase would also include the release of male military conscripts.

"Military actions on both sides will halt during all three phases," the statement added. The specific number of Palestinian prisoners to be released will be subject to negotiations at each stage, with Israel expected to release those with longer sentences.

While Israel has not committed to a permanent ceasefire, the objective of the phased framework is to ultimately achieve a fourth phase that would conclude the conflict and allow Hamas to release remaining male IDF soldiers in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners.

"There is a general agreement on the framework concept, but significant details for each phase still need resolution," an official involved in the negotiations shared.

If Hamas approves the proposed framework, finalizing logistical arrangements for the ceasefire and the processing of hostages and prisoners could take additional days or weeks, according to involved officials.

Previous discussions leading up to the November truce faced interruptions, with communication breakdowns caused by power outages amidst ongoing conflicts.

Current negotiations occur alongside public posturing where both parties appear to be pressuring each other by dismissing various potential compromises.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will not withdraw from Gaza or liberate thousands of Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, allies of Hamas, such as Islamic Jihad, expressed refusal to consider any agreements regarding hostages without a comprehensive ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

A far-right member of Netanyahu’s coalition, Itamar Ben-Gvir, threatened to leave the government if there is any attempt to negotiate a "reckless" deal regarding hostages.

The implications of such public declarations in relation to the ongoing discussions remain unclear.

Sheikh Mohammed mentioned on Monday that the framework established in Paris combines elements from initial Israeli proposals alongside Hamas’s counterproposals. "We aimed to reconcile the two sides to find a balanced solution," he explained.

One source indicated that the proposal might still be revised. "The details regarding timelines or hostage exchanges can adjust, but this approach allows for a mutually beneficial outcome that centers on what truly matters to both sides."

Nearly four months since Hamas’s attacks on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and left 253 hostages taken, significant disparities between the two sides persist.

Israel’s response has included extensive bombardments of Gaza, leading to more than 26,000 Palestinian casualties and widespread devastation in the region.

The insider involved in the Paris discussions described them as "productive," noting that progress relies on both Hamas and Israel receiving strong assurances from their respective supporters. By deferring the matter of IDF male hostages to the later phases, Hamas could maintain a degree of leverage over the Israeli military.