Hamas is “studying” an Israeli proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza that would see 10 hostages released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, an official with the militant group told CNN. The proposal, received by Hamas on Monday, outlines an initial framework for a 45-day truce in the Palestinian enclave during which the two sides would aim to negotiate a permanent ceasefire, according to the official. The Israeli proposal also calls for the disarmament of Gaza, previously a red line for Hamas. It does not include a guarantee of a permanent end to the war, which Hamas has demanded as part of a comprehensive agreement. The Hamas official said the group will not agree to any Israeli ceasefire proposal that calls for its disarmament or sees Israeli forces return to Gaza after an initial withdrawal, making it unlikely that the group will accept it. The offer marks Israel’s first proposal to bring back hostages from Gaza since it resumed the war in March. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under intense pressure from hostage families and a growing number of military reservists to reach a deal. CNN has reached out to Israeli officials for comment. Under the proposal, Israeli American Edan Alexander would be released on the first day of the truce as a “special gesture” to the United States, the Hamas official said. Hamas released a propaganda video over the weekend in which Alexander appealed directly to Trump, asking why he hasn’t been released yet. The three-minute video, almost certainly filmed under duress, is the second proof-of-life video of Alexander since the war began 18 months ago. However, Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, claimed on Tuesday that they have lost contact with the militants holding Alexander, after they said the Israeli military bombed the location where Alexander was being held. CNN cannot independently verify the claim. The militant organization did not say when or where the strike happened. The Israeli military and the Hostages and Missing Families Forum did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Al-Qassam Brigades previously lied about the fate of at least one hostage. In November, the group claimed that an Israeli woman it was holding hostage had been killed in an Israeli bombing and released a photo of her body wrapped in a red-stained white sheet. A tattoo identified the women as Daniella Gilboa, an Israeli soldier. Gilboa was released by Hamas alive in January. The Hamas official speaking about the Israeli proposal said that a further nine Israeli hostages would be released in two stages in exchange for 120 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and more than 1,100 detainees held without charge since October 7, 2023, the official added. Israel’s proposal also demands that Hamas provide information about the remaining living Israeli hostages held by the group, “in exchange for information about the Palestinian detainees,” and the release of the bodies of 16 deceased Israeli hostages in exchange for the remains of 160 deceased Palestinians held by Israel. The “temporary ceasefire lasting 45 days” would also include the cessation of military operations and the entry of aid into Gaza as well as “an agreed mechanism to ensure that aid reaches only civilians,” the Hamas official said. The proposal would also include the entry of equipment necessary for sheltering Palestinians displaced in Gaza. A Hamas delegation met with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo over the weekend. Israel has not publicly acknowledged whether it sent a team to the negotiations. Since early March, Israel has cut Gaza off from the supply of humanitarian aid including food, with aid agencies warning that the situation for the strip’s 2 million civilians has deteriorated dangerously, only worsened by intensive Israeli military operations. Israel’s move to block aid came ahead of its renewed military offensive in the enclave, in what it said was a bid to pressure Hamas into releasing more hostages and impose new conditions on a ceasefire that was in effect at the time. More than 1,500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since mid-March, according to the Ministry of Health in the enclave. Under the new ceasefire proposal, the Israeli military would withdraw for seven days from parts of Gaza including the southern city of Rafah, some areas of the north and the east of Gaza City, according to the Hamas official. Israel’s proposal also “stipulates the disarmament of the Gaza Strip” and negotiations on a “declaration of a permanent ceasefire,” to begin on the third day of the truce, the official told CNN. “Negotiations for a permanent ceasefire should be completed within 45 days,” after which the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas, both living and deceased, would be released to Israel, the official said. “If an agreement is reached on the temporary ceasefire, it can be extended under conditions and for a duration agreed upon by the two parties… if the period ends without an agreement, it will be extended in exchange for new prisoners.” Some details outlined by the Hamas official appeared to match aspects of the proposal earlier confirmed to CNN by a senior Israeli official. ‘Steps are underway’ to reach a deal The Israeli official previously told CNN that the latest proposal from Israel would demand the release of 10 hostages from Gaza, as well as the release of Alexander as a gesture to President Donald Trump. According to the Israeli official, the proposal would include phases during which Hamas would provide information about all the other remaining hostages. On Sunday, Netanyahu’s office said that “steps are underway” to reach a new hostage-ceasefire deal in Gaza, while speaking to the family of hostage Eitan Mor. One of the groups representing hostages’ families, the Tikva Forum, confirmed the conversation and said that Netanyahu had updated the Mor family “on the progress of the negotiations for the release of 10 abductees alive.” Netanyahu, who visited Israeli troops in northern Gaza on Tuesday, said Israel was “determined to achieve all our war goals.” “We insist that they release our hostages,” he said while in Gaza. Israeli media have also reported that the negotiations are for the release of 10 hostages, but the prime minister’s office has not confirmed the number. CNN is working to confirm other details of the proposal that were laid out by the Hamas official. Also on Sunday, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi said on Telegram that while Hamas had a positive attitude to any proposal “based on halting the aggression and the withdrawal of occupation forces… we will not accept a shift toward a fragmented process limited to a food-for-prisoners (hostages) deal.” CNN reported last week that mediators have been frustrated by Netanyahu’s decision to push aside career national security professionals who were leading Israel’s delegation in the talks in favor of his closest adviser, Ron Dermer. They say the move has slowed down the discussions to resurrect the broken ceasefire.
Israel proposes Gaza ceasefire deal to release 10 hostages for hundreds of Palestinians, Hamas says
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Hamas Considers Israeli Ceasefire Proposal for Hostage Exchange"
CNN
5.8
TruthLens AI Summary
Hamas is currently evaluating an Israeli proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza that includes the release of 10 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. This proposal, which was received by Hamas officials on Monday, suggests a 45-day truce during which both sides would negotiate for a permanent ceasefire. However, the proposal has raised significant concerns for Hamas, particularly regarding the demand for disarmament, a condition they have previously deemed unacceptable. The official from Hamas indicated that the group would reject any ceasefire terms that would require them to disarm or allow Israeli forces to re-enter Gaza after an initial withdrawal. The proposal notably marks Israel's first attempt to negotiate the return of hostages since the resumption of military hostilities in March, reflecting the pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from families of hostages and military reservists to secure a deal. The offer includes a provision for the release of Edan Alexander, an Israeli American, as a gesture to the United States, amidst ongoing concerns for his safety and the broader implications of the conflict on hostages held by Hamas.
The ceasefire proposal also encompasses provisions for humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has been severely restricted since early March, resulting in a deteriorating situation for its two million residents. Under the proposed terms, military operations would cease, and aid would be allowed into Gaza, with mechanisms to ensure it only reaches civilians. The plan includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from specific areas of Gaza for a week and stipulates that negotiations for a permanent ceasefire should commence on the third day of the truce. A Hamas representative noted that if an agreement is reached, it could be extended based on mutual terms. The situation remains complex, with both sides under pressure, and ongoing discussions with mediators from Egypt and Qatar. However, reports indicate frustration with the Israeli delegation's leadership changes, which have reportedly slowed negotiations. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the urgency for a resolution remains critical.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The reported ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hamas presents a complex and highly charged situation, with multiple layers of geopolitical, humanitarian, and strategic implications. The framing of the news by CNN, citing a Hamas official, suggests an attempt to highlight the group’s demands and resistance to disarmament, while also underscoring Israel’s domestic pressures.
Potential Agenda Behind the News
The article may aim to shape perceptions by emphasizing Hamas’s rejection of disarmament and framing the proposal as a test of Israel’s willingness to compromise. By focusing on the hostage-prisoner exchange, the report could be drawing attention to the humanitarian aspect while subtly reinforcing narratives about Hamas’s inflexibility. The inclusion of Edan Alexander’s case—particularly the propaganda video and the claim of lost contact—adds an emotional layer, potentially swaying public opinion toward sympathy for hostages or skepticism toward Hamas’s credibility.
Credibility and Manipulation Indicators
The sourcing relies heavily on a Hamas official, which raises questions about bias, as the group has a vested interest in portraying Israel’s terms as untenable. The lack of independent verification for the claim about Alexander’s status further clouds the report’s reliability. The language used ("propaganda video," "filmed under duress") leans toward editorializing, which could indicate an attempt to guide reader interpretation.
Economic and Political Ramifications
If the ceasefire talks progress or collapse, markets—particularly defense and energy sectors—could react. Israeli and regional equities might experience volatility, and oil prices could fluctuate based on perceived stability in the Middle East. Politically, Netanyahu’s government faces mounting pressure, and Hamas’s stance could harden Palestinian support or invite stronger military responses.
Target Audiences and Global Power Dynamics
The report appeals to Western audiences, especially those concerned with hostage crises, while also resonating with pro-Palestinian groups critical of Israeli policies. The timing aligns with broader discussions about U.S. involvement in Middle East diplomacy, given Alexander’s U.S. citizenship and the implied appeal to Trump.
AI and Narrative Influence
While the article doesn’t overtly signal AI-generated content, the structured framing and selective emphasis on certain details (e.g., disarmament as a "red line") suggest algorithmic curation could be at play, possibly amplifying divisive elements. Models like DeepSeek R1, if used, might prioritize tension-driven narratives to align with geopolitical interests.
Trustworthiness Assessment
The report is moderately credible but suffers from one-sided sourcing and unverified claims. Its manipulative potential lies in the emotional weight given to hostage narratives and the omission of broader context (e.g., historical ceasefire failures). Readers should cross-reference with Israeli sources for balance.