Israel Considering US Ceasefire Proposal Linked to Hostage Release: Official

Jerusalem – Israel is “seriously considering” a US-brokered ceasefire proposal in Gaza that includes the release of Israeli hostages, an Israeli official confirmed on Sunday.

The official, speaking anonymously, said the plan was conveyed to Hamas over the weekend and described it as “President Donald Trump’s proposal,” according to Xinhua.

Israeli Channel 12 reported that under the plan, Israel would halt its offensive to capture Gaza City, while Hamas would release all 48 hostages still held in Gaza—including about 20 believed to be alive—on the first day of the truce. In return, Israel would free thousands of Palestinian prisoners. Formal peace negotiations would then begin under Trump’s mediation, with the ceasefire remaining in place during talks.

In a statement, Hamas confirmed receipt of several US proposals and said it was ready to enter negotiations immediately, but demanded a “clear declaration ending the war, full withdrawal from Gaza, and formation of an independent Palestinian governing committee.”

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing relatives of captives, urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to support the initiative: “We call on the Israeli government to announce its unconditional support for the emerging agreement,” the group said.

So far, Netanyahu has not responded to earlier mediation efforts, including a partial deal approved by Hamas last month.

Trump, writing on his Truth Social platform, said: “The Israelis have accepted my terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well,” warning that refusal would bring consequences.

Israel resumed military operations in Gaza on March 18. Since then, at least 11,911 Palestinians have been killed and 50,735 injured, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 64,455, with 162,776 wounded, Gaza health officials reported on Sunday.

With inputs from IANS