Cairo, March 23 – Israel has proposed a two-phase plan to Hamas for the release of hostages held in Gaza, mediated by Egypt, according to Egyptian sources. The plan involves an initial phase where Hamas would release 11 living hostages and the bodies of 16 deceased individuals. This would be followed by a 40-day ceasefire before the second phase, which calls for the release of all remaining hostages in a single batch.
The U.S. has expressed support for Israel’s proposal, which is seen as leveraging the current military pressure on Hamas. Israel resumed airstrikes on Gaza this week, ending a ceasefire brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. in January. These strikes were followed by ground operations across Gaza, prompting rocket launches from Hamas into Israeli territory, most of which were intercepted.
Two Egyptian security sources mentioned that Cairo proposed setting a timeline for the release of the remaining hostages, alongside a final withdrawal date for Israeli forces from Gaza, with U.S. guarantees. However, Israeli officials have stated they have not received a U.S.-backed mediation proposal.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Security Cabinet is set to review a proposal from Defence Minister Israel Katz, which suggests creating an administration within the Defence Ministry to coordinate efforts for the “voluntary relocation” of Gazans to other countries. The initiative is backed by surveys indicating that around 50% of Gaza’s population, particularly those with higher education, would consider emigrating if given the opportunity.
Israel’s call for evacuation comes alongside Katz’s direct message urging Gazans to “expel Hamas,” suggesting a potential shift in Israeli policy toward Gaza’s civilian population.
