//Israel Proposes Major Ceasefire Deal in Gaza: 10 Hostages for Hundreds of Palestinians//
| Middle East Conflict | Breaking International News
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| Palestinian rescuers check the site of Israeli bombardment on a residential building in Gaza City's Shujaiyya neighborhood on April 9. |
In a potentially game-changing development in the Gaza conflict, Israel has proposed a 45-day ceasefire to secure the release of 10 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, according to a Hamas official.
This marks the first ceasefire offer from Israel since hostilities resumed in March, and while it is still under review by Hamas, the terms have sparked renewed attention on efforts to de-escalate the prolonged war in Gaza.
🕊️ A New Ceasefire Framework Under Discussion
The proposal outlines a 45-day truce, during which both sides would engage in negotiations for a permanent ceasefire.
According to the Hamas official speaking to CNN:
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The exchange would begin with the release of Israeli-American Edan Alexander, as a "special gesture" to the United States.
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Nine additional hostages would be released in two stages.
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In return, Israel would free over 1,100 Palestinian detainees, including 120 serving life sentences.
🧩 Key Conditions and Major Roadblocks
Despite the groundbreaking nature of the offer, deep divisions remain:
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The Israeli plan includes a call for the disarmament of Gaza, a long-standing red line for Hamas.
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Hamas insists on a guarantee that Israeli forces will not return to Gaza after withdrawal, something the current offer lacks.
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The proposal also includes a body exchange: 16 deceased Israeli hostages for 160 deceased Palestinians held by Israel.
Hamas has stated no deal is possible if it includes disarmament or continued Israeli military presence in Gaza.
📽️ The Edan Alexander Situation and U.S. Involvement
The proposed release of Edan Alexander, a dual Israeli-American citizen, comes after Hamas released a propaganda video over the weekend, in which Alexander appeared to plead directly with former U.S. President Donald Trump for his freedom.
In a concerning update, Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades claimed on Tuesday that they lost contact with the militants holding Alexander after an Israeli airstrike reportedly hit the location.
CNN has not independently verified this claim, and neither the Israeli military nor the Hostages and Missing Families Forum has issued an official response.
📌 A Delicate Moment for Israeli Leadership
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing growing domestic and international pressure to secure the release of hostages and bring the conflict to an end. Military reservists, hostage families, and human rights organizations are all urging swift action.
This ceasefire offer is viewed by many analysts as a political and humanitarian test for Netanyahu’s leadership amid widespread frustration and increasing calls for accountability.
📷 Previous Deception by Hamas Raises Doubts
Skepticism also lingers due to past misinformation. In one case, Hamas claimed that an Israeli woman soldier had died in a bombing, only to later release her alive months later. Incidents like this have cast doubts on Hamas' credibility in hostage negotiations.
🧠 What the Deal Means for Gaza and Israel
If accepted, this agreement could:
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Reduce immediate violence in Gaza City and southern Gaza.
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Address ongoing humanitarian crises, including aid delivery and access to medical care.
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Offer a foundation for long-term diplomatic dialogue between warring parties.
But the conditions of disarmament and guarantees of non-return remain major sticking points that could derail negotiations.
📣 Fragile Hopes Amid Ongoing War
While this proposal offers a rare opportunity to halt the violence and save lives, the lack of mutual trust and long-standing grievances mean that a breakthrough is far from guaranteed. The world now watches closely as Hamas studies the deal and Israel waits for a response.
A successful exchange could signal the beginning of peace talks. A rejection might plunge the region back into intensified conflict. The coming days will be critical in shaping the future of the Israeli-Palestinian crisis.