The United States has presented a new ceasefire and hostage release proposal to Hamas through Qatari mediators. The offer aims to secure the release of American hostage Edan Alexander while breaking the ongoing deadlock in ceasefire negotiations, according to U.S. and Israeli officials.
Why It Matters
The success of this proposal is uncertain, as Hamas has yet to indicate whether it will accept the terms. The plan involves releasing Alexander in exchange for a public statement from former U.S. President Donald Trump, urging calm in Gaza and calling for renewed negotiations toward a broader ceasefire agreement.
“There is no deal yet,” a U.S. official stated, emphasizing that discussions are ongoing.
Current Situation in Gaza
Tensions in Gaza have escalated since Israel resumed military operations following the breakdown of previous ceasefire talks. Israel has intensified its ground incursions across multiple areas of the enclave, further complicating diplomatic efforts.
On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that if Hamas refuses to release hostages, Israel will expand its territorial control in Gaza. This statement underscores the urgency of ongoing negotiations and the potential consequences of prolonged conflict.
Diplomatic Efforts Behind the Scenes
U.S. officials have increased pressure on both Egypt and Qatar, urging them to push Hamas toward accepting a compromise. Egyptian authorities recently met with Hamas representatives in Cairo to discuss the latest proposal, which closely mirrors an earlier plan put forth by Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff. That previous proposal was rejected by Hamas.
Egyptian officials reportedly threatened to deport Hamas prisoners—who were previously released by Israel under the ceasefire agreement and are currently residing in Cairo—if the group does not move forward with hostage releases.
While Hamas leaders outside Gaza have shown willingness to engage with the Egyptian proposal, the militant group’s top commander inside Gaza, Mohammed Sinwar, has refused to accept the terms.
New U.S.-Qatar Proposal
On Wednesday, U.S. envoy Witkoff engaged in discussions with Qatar’s prime minister to devise an alternative approach. Their proposal includes the immediate release of Edan Alexander in return for a statement from Trump, which would lead to a brief ceasefire and the resumption of broader peace talks.
Following these discussions, Witkoff briefed Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer on the details of the latest proposal. However, Israeli sources suggest the plan remains in its early stages and lacks full clarity.
What’s Next?
Qatari and Egyptian officials held talks with Hamas representatives in Doha on Thursday to review the various proposals. An Israeli official noted that while the new U.S.-Qatari offer is still an evolving idea, it was presented as a goodwill gesture to the U.S., potentially influencing Trump to advocate for a broader ceasefire deal.
Whether Hamas will agree to release Alexander without guarantees of a lasting ceasefire or prisoner exchanges remains uncertain. As negotiations continue, the situation in Gaza remains highly volatile, with humanitarian concerns growing amid ongoing military operations.
