Hamas has agreed to release five Israeli hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, according to Egyptian officials speaking to the Qatari New Arab news outlet.
“The ball is now in the Israeli government and Americans’ court,” the officials stated, indicating that the United States and Qatar are intensively involved in the negotiations.
The temporary ceasefire would last approximately 50 days.
In addition to the release of five Israeli hostages, Hamas is demanding the release of Palestinian prisoners.
The deal also includes the activation of aid mechanisms to allow sufficient food, medical supplies, and other essentials into Gaza.
Among those expected to be freed is US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander.
The ceasefire would coincide with Eid al-Fitr, which begins on Sunday, March 31, and ends on Wednesday, April 3. However, it remains unclear whether Israel’s government will accept the terms of the proposal.
The report comes as negotiations remain stalled following months of conflict and amid international pressure to secure the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
