Israel reportedly proposes new cease-fire plan with conditions for Gaza hostage exchange
A picture taken from the Israeli side of the border with the Gaza Strip shows a smoke plume rising from explosions above destroyed buildings in the northern part of the Palestinian territory on March 30, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Israel submitted a new proposal for a cease-fire in Gaza on Monday, according to local media reports.
The Haaretz daily, citing a senior Israeli official, said Israel has requested through mediators Egypt and Qatar the release of 11 living hostages and the return of 16 bodies. Israel also seeks information about the remaining captives in Gaza in exchange for suspending hostilities.
In addition to the cease-fire, Israel would release an undisclosed number of Palestinian prisoners, the report stated.
The Israeli official added that, on the fifth day of the deal, Israel would ask Hamas for information on the remaining captives held in Gaza.
Under the proposed plan, Israel would request Hamas to release the bodies of 16 Israeli hostages on the 10th day of the agreement, approximately half of the total number of Israeli hostages believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza.
Neither Israel, Hamas, nor the mediators have commented on the proposal.
Israeli estimates indicate that 59 captives remain in Gaza, including 24 who are alive. Meanwhile, Israel is holding more than 9,500 Palestinian prisoners under harsh conditions, according to human rights organizations, which have reported torture, mistreatment, and medical neglect that have led to fatalities.
Israeli atrocities continue as cease-fire shatters
Israel launched a surprise aerial campaign over the Gaza Strip on March 18, killing over 1,000 people and injuring more than 2,000 others. The campaign shattered a January cease-fire and prisoner exchange agreement.
Since Israel’s military onslaught in Gaza began in October 2023, more than 50,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.
