Report: Hamas is desperate to end the war, and it shows

Hamas Demands End to War in Exchange for Hostage Release, New Ceasefire Deal Under Negotiation

Hamas is reportedly conditioning the release of Israeli hostages on a full cessation of hostilities and a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, according to multiple regional sources. As international mediators push for a new ceasefire agreement, Hamas has made it clear that no captives will be freed without firm guarantees—both from Israel and the international community—that the war will come to a definitive end.

Egyptian and Palestinian officials stated that the terror group is prepared to release up to nine Israeli hostages, as well as American citizen Edan Alexander, who has been held captive since the October 7 attack. A senior Egyptian official told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that this release would be contingent on Israel's agreement to halt its military operations, withdraw from Gaza, and allow expanded humanitarian aid into the enclave.

“Hamas agrees to release nine hostages, in addition to the American hostage Edan Alexander,” one Egyptian source confirmed. A second official told Reuters that Cairo has submitted a new ceasefire proposal and that Hamas has requested additional time to respond.

According to Hamas spokesperson Taher al-Nunu, the group is willing to release all remaining captives under a comprehensive deal that includes the end of the war and a substantial prisoner exchange. “The issue is not the number of captives,” said Nunu. “The occupation is reneging on its commitments, blocking the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, and continuing the war. We are asking for international guarantees that the agreement will be honored.”

Lebanese outlet Al Akhbar reported Monday that the Egyptian ceasefire plan includes a 40- to 70-day truce, during which time eight living hostages, including Edan Alexander, and the bodies of eight others would be returned to Israel. In exchange, Israel would release approximately 1,100 Palestinian prisoners.

Further proposals under discussion could result in the release of up to 11 living Israeli hostages and the remains of 16 deceased individuals, contingent on Israel agreeing to a 70-day ceasefire period. The complex negotiations highlight the growing urgency to secure a deal as the condition of the hostages in Gaza deteriorate, Hamas is starting to break under IDF pressure, and political pressure intensifies in both Israel and abroad.