Israel presents a modified offer for a ceasefire.. and Hamas confirms its openness to the new proposals.
Israel has presented a new offer in ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, coinciding with a delegation from Hamas heading to Cairo, as reported by "Times of Israel" on Saturday, April 12.
The newspaper explained that Israel has reduced some of its previous conditions, initially demanding the release of 11 prisoners held in Gaza, while Hamas has agreed to release only 5 prisoners. Egypt has recently proposed a mediatory offer involving the release of 8 hostages in an attempt to bridge the gap between the two parties.
According to the same sources, Israel aims for the release of live hostages within the first two weeks of the 45-day temporary ceasefire, opposing Hamas' previous demands for a gradual exchange system throughout the ceasefire period.
The Israeli offer also includes reducing the number of Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life sentences, to be released in exchange for each hostage, as well as allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza, and withdrawing its forces from areas reoccupied on March 18.
On the other hand, a senior Hamas source denied receiving any new offers for a ceasefire, affirming the movement's commitment to the latest proposal received from international mediators, which it agreed to before Eid al-Fitr.
The source added that Hamas is willing to consider any new initiatives that ensure a ceasefire, Israeli forces' withdrawal, and an end to the Palestinians' suffering.
In a related context, Israel is facing increasing pressure from families of prisoners held in Gaza, as the representative body has called for widespread participation in protests on Saturday evening, coinciding with the approaching Jewish Passover, to demand a prisoner exchange deal to bring back their loved ones.
