Hamas has put forward a proposal to release all remaining captives in the Gaza Strip “in one go” in return for a permanent ceasefire and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the besieged enclave.
The statement, issued on Wednesday by Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem, outlines the group’s vision for the second phase of the ongoing ceasefire agreement. The proposal follows months of intense negotiations, mediated by regional and international actors, to end the devastating conflict that has left tens of thousands dead and Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins.
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Hamas Proposal for Phase Two of Ceasefire
According to Qassem, the group is prepared to proceed with a mass exchange of captives in the second phase of the truce plan, provided that the agreement guarantees a lasting halt to hostilities and a total Israeli withdrawal.
“We are ready for a second phase in which the prisoners will be exchanged in one go, within the criterion of reaching an agreement that leads to a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal from the Strip,” Qassem stated.
Hamas rejected Israel’s demand for the group’s disarmament or removal from Gaza, calling it a “ridiculous psychological war” and stressing that disbanding its armed wing or leaving the territory was “unacceptable.”
Increase in Captives to Be Released
In a move aimed at accelerating the peace process, Hamas has agreed to double the number of captives it will release during the next scheduled swap on Saturday—from three to six. This decision was announced by senior Hamas figure Khalil al-Hayya and is seen as a gesture to show goodwill towards the mediators and to speed up the implementation of the second phase.
“Doubling the number of prisoners to be released was done in response to a request from the mediators and to prove our seriousness in implementing all the terms of the agreement,” Qassem explained.
International and Domestic Pressure
The Hamas proposal comes amid mounting international attention, especially after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the phased, weekly release of captives taken from Israel. Families of those still held in Gaza have been calling for their immediate, collective release, putting additional pressure on both Hamas and the Israeli government.
In what appears to be a reciprocal arrangement, the accelerated implementation of the deal coincides with Israel allowing the entry of mobile homes and construction equipment into Gaza—a step that could aid temporary housing efforts in the war-ravaged territory.
Israeli Restrictions and Humanitarian Concerns
Despite these developments, Israeli forces continue to impose strict control over border crossings, severely limiting the flow of essential goods, fuel, and reconstruction materials. Hamas previously threatened to delay further releases due to Israel’s refusal to allow in vital shelter units and heavy equipment, as well as ongoing military actions against Palestinians.
According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, at least 48,291 people have been killed and 111,722 wounded since the start of Israel’s military campaign. The Government Media Office in Gaza puts the death toll even higher—over 61,709—stating that thousands remain missing under the rubble and are presumed dead.
Cost of Rebuilding Gaza
A joint report by the World Bank, the United Nations, and the European Union estimates that rebuilding Gaza could cost approximately $53.2 billion. Housing reconstruction alone would require $15.2 billion, while other funds would go toward restoring public infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and the economy.
Challenges Ahead in Ceasefire Implementation
Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst Marwan Bishara noted that while progress has been made in the first phase of the ceasefire, the real challenges lie ahead.
“The bigger problem is not going to be phase one, but phase two or three of the ceasefire deal,” Bishara said. “Hamas and Israel are both trying to claim the moral high ground in the captive and prisoner swaps. For Israel, despite having military superiority, it has been unable to defeat Hamas. Meanwhile, Israel continues to control when and where aid enters Gaza, and without alternative housing units arriving, life remains extremely difficult for Palestinians.”
Ongoing Violations of the Ceasefire
The ceasefire, which began on January 19 after more than 460 days of war, has already been violated several times by Israeli forces. Reports suggest that Israeli leadership is actively discussing a return to full-scale military operations in Gaza, with far-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet openly advocating for a military occupation of the territory.
Since the truce began, Israel has released 1,135 Palestinian prisoners, with 502 more expected to be freed this week. On the other side, Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad have released 25 captives since January 19, in accordance with the phased exchange deal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What did Hamas propose in its latest ceasefire offer?
Hamas proposed releasing all remaining hostages in Gaza in one coordinated exchange, in return for a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.
Does the proposal include disarmament of Hamas?
No. Hamas has rejected Israel’s demand for its disarmament or removal from Gaza, calling such conditions unacceptable and part of a “psychological war.”
How many hostages would be freed under this proposal?
The plan calls for the release of all captives at once. As part of the ongoing agreement, Hamas has also announced an increase in the number of hostages to be freed in the next swap from three to six.
Why is Hamas increasing the number of hostages to be released now?
Hamas says the increase is in response to requests from mediators and to demonstrate its commitment to implementing the ceasefire deal’s terms.
How has Israel responded to the proposal?
Israel has not officially agreed to the one-time release plan and continues to demand that Hamas be disarmed or removed from Gaza, conditions Hamas rejects.
What role are international mediators playing?
Mediators, including regional and international parties, are working to bridge differences between the two sides and accelerate the implementation of the ceasefire’s second phase.
What is the current humanitarian situation in Gaza?
Gaza faces severe humanitarian challenges, including tens of thousands of deaths, widespread destruction, and an urgent need for reconstruction estimated at $53.2 billion.
Conclusion
Hamas’s proposal to release all remaining hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza marks a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict. While the move could potentially accelerate peace talks and address growing humanitarian concerns, deep political divisions, mutual distrust, and repeated ceasefire violations remain major obstacles. For Gaza’s civilians, the prospect of stability and reconstruction offers a glimmer of hope after years of destruction.
