Hamas demands Israeli withdrawal in exchange for hostage release

DDM News

Hamas has announced its willingness to release all remaining hostages in a single exchange.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) revealed that this offer comes with a crucial condition Israel must agree to a permanent ceasefire.

A senior Palestinian official involved in the ongoing truce negotiations disclosed this proposal.

The report was first published by The Times of Israel.

This move represents a significant shift in the prolonged and complex hostage negotiations.

Israel has historically been cautious about prisoner swaps due to security concerns.

Officials argue that such exchanges could impact regional stability in the long run.

Despite this stance, Hamas remains open to talks regarding hostages and ceasefire conditions.

The group seeks an extension of the current temporary ceasefire.

The recent offer by Hamas follows the terms of an earlier agreement.

This deal was originally outlined in January during preliminary negotiations.

A second phase of negotiations was initially scheduled for March 2.

It involved releasing all remaining hostages in exchange for Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.

The deal also required a permanent cessation of hostilities between both parties.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposes two critical clauses in this agreement.

He believes the conditions would allow Hamas to maintain control in Gaza.

Netanyahu has remained reluctant to discuss phase two of the agreement.

Negotiations were expected to advance in early February.

Instead, talks stalled due to conflicting interests between both sides.

Israel resumed full-scale military operations in Gaza on March 18.

This action escalated tensions and disrupted the fragile truce.

Hamas’ new proposal and its implications

Hamas has now proposed extending the first phase of the deal.

This is a surprising shift, as the group had resisted similar proposals for months.

A senior Palestinian official confirmed this change in strategy.

The updated proposal closely resembles an earlier U.S. diplomatic effort.

Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, had presented a similar offer.

This earlier proposal included the release of five Israeli hostages.

Mediators have been working to secure commitments from both sides.

They aim to ensure Israel negotiates a permanent ceasefire following the initial agreement.

However, Netanyahu continues to reject this demand.

Israeli officials argue that a ceasefire without eliminating Hamas’ capabilities is dangerous.

They believe it would strengthen Hamas’ hold over Gaza.

This, they claim, would prolong security threats to Israel.

Diplomatic and humanitarian considerations

The situation remains highly sensitive and requires careful diplomatic handling.

International stakeholders are closely monitoring these developments.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened due to continued military actions.

A resolution to the conflict is becoming increasingly urgent.

The United Nations and the United States have called for de-escalation.

Other key players also urge both sides to work toward lasting peace.

Hamas’ latest proposal introduces a new dimension to the stalled negotiations.

Its success depends on Israel’s willingness to modify its stance.

If accepted, this deal could help reduce hostilities.

It could also address the severe humanitarian impact of the war.

However, rejection may lead to further military escalation.

This could deepen tensions and prolong suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians.

The fate of the remaining hostages is now uncertain.

The broader peace process hinges on whether both parties can compromise.

Security concerns must be balanced with long-term stability efforts.

The world watches closely as this complex situation unfolds.

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