Cairo, March 23 (IANS) – Israel has put forward a two-phase proposal to the Hamas movement through Egyptian mediators for the release of hostages held in Gaza, Egyptian sources told media.
According to the proposal, in the first phase, Hamas would release 11 living hostages along with the bodies of 16 deceased individuals. In exchange, a 40-day truce would be implemented, Xinhua reported on Saturday.
The second phase of Israel’s plan requires Hamas to release all remaining hostages in a single batch. The United States supports Israel’s proposal, which, according to sources, aims to capitalize on the current military pressure being exerted on Hamas.
Israel resumed airstrikes in Gaza on Tuesday, effectively ending the ceasefire brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, which had been in place since January 19. Following the renewed hostilities, Israeli forces launched ground operations in southern, northern, and central Gaza. In retaliation, Hamas fired rockets into Israeli territory, most of which were intercepted, according to Israeli officials.
Two Egyptian security sources revealed that Cairo proposed a timeline for the release of all remaining hostages alongside a final date for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, with US guarantees. They stated that Washington had signaled initial approval, but Israeli officials denied receiving any formal US-backed mediation proposal.
“Communication channels with the mediators remain open,” an Israeli official confirmed. “No Egyptian mediation proposal has been presented to us. We are not aware of such a proposal.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s Security Cabinet is set to meet on Saturday evening to consider Defence Minister Israel Katz’s proposal to establish an administration within the Defence Ministry to oversee the voluntary relocation of Gazan residents to other countries.
If approved, this administration would coordinate efforts between government ministries, the military, Shin Bet, and the police. Security sources claim that surveys conducted among Gaza residents suggest that 50% of the population is willing to leave, with nearly 90% of those with higher education expressing a desire to emigrate if given the opportunity.
On Wednesday, Katz issued a direct message to Gazans via the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) page, which ignited widespread discussion online.
“Population evacuation will begin soon,” Katz stated, urging Gazans to “expel Hamas” from the region.
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