Israel proposes two-phase hostage release plan to Hamas

Israel has put forward a two-phase plan to Hamas through Egyptian mediators for the release of hostages held in Gaza, Egyptian sources told media.

In the first phase, Hamas would release 11 living hostages and return the bodies of 16 deceased individuals, followed by a 40-day truce, Xinhua news agency reported.

The second phase of the proposal calls for Hamas to release all remaining hostages in a single exchange.

The United States supports Israel’s proposal, which leverages “the current military pressure,” according to the sources.

Israel resumed strikes in Gaza on Tuesday, ending a ceasefire brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US that began on January 19. Israeli forces then launched ground operations across multiple regions of Gaza.

In response, Hamas fired rockets toward Israeli territory, most of which were intercepted, according to Israeli officials.

Two Egyptian security sources said Cairo proposed linking the timeline for hostage releases with a final date for full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, with US guarantees. They noted that Washington gave initial approval, while Israeli officials stated they had not received any such US-backed proposal.

“Communication channels with the mediators remain open,” an Israeli official said. “No Egyptian mediation proposal has been presented to us. We’re not aware of such a proposal.”

Meanwhile, Israel’s Security Cabinet is set to convene to discuss Defence Minister Israel Katz’s proposal to establish an administration within the Defence Ministry to coordinate efforts for the “voluntary relocation” of Gazans to other countries.

If approved, the administration would manage cooperation between government ministries, the military, Shin Bet, and police.

Security sources claimed surveys among Gaza residents indicate that around 50% wish to leave, with nearly 90% of those with higher education expressing a desire to emigrate if given the opportunity.

On Wednesday, Katz addressed Gazans in a message posted on the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories’ (COGAT) page, stating: “Population evacuation will begin soon,” urging them to “expel Hamas.”