New Israeli Proposal Seeks Hostage Release Ahead of Passover

Amid ongoing and intense combat in the Gaza Strip, efforts to secure the release of the remaining 59 hostages held by Hamas continue.

On Saturday, Hamas informed mediators that it would agree to release up to five hostages, both living and deceased, in exchange for a temporary ceasefire lasting through Passover.

According to reports released Sunday evening, Israel has presented a counterproposal to the mediators: a release of 11 living hostages, representing half of the total still in captivity, in return for a 40-day ceasefire.

In Full Coordination with the U.S.

The Prime Minister’s Office stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a series of consultations following Hamas’s offer.

“Israel submitted its counterproposal to the mediators in full coordination with the United States,” the statement said.

According to the reports, Israel is focused on negotiating a “holiday deal” that would secure hostage releases before Passover. There were hopes it would be reached before the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which is now.