Hamas has actually accepted a new Egyptian proposal to launch 5 captives, including the American-Israeli Edan Alexander, in exchange for a restored ceasefire, a Hamas source tells CNN.The proposition is similar to one presented several weeks back by United States special envoy Steve Witkoff, although it is unclear whether it also includes the release of additional bodies of departed hostages.In exchange for the release of 5 captives, Hamas anticipates a go back to phase 1 ceasefire conditions, consisting of the entry of humanitarian aid, along with an arrangement to work out the second stage of the ceasefire, the source said.In a televised address, Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya stated the militant group enaged with the proposal favorably before accepting it.Al-Hayya added that Hamas has fully abided by the terms of the very first ceasefire offer and hopes Israel does not obstruct this proposal.Israel has reacted to the Egyptian deal with a counter-proposal, according to a statement from the Israeli Prime Ministers office.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu carried out a series of assessments the other day, following a proposal received from the mediators.
In recent hours, Israel moved its counter proposition to the conciliators, completely coordination with the United States, the office said.Israel previously this month restored attacks in Gaza and enforced a complete blockade of humanitarian aid going into the enclave, cautioning that its forces will preserve a permanent presence in parts of Gaza up until the release of the remaining 24 hostages who are thought to still be alive.According to health authorities in Gaza, at least 50,277 Palestinians have been eliminated and another 114,095 injured because Israels military offensive started in the enclave, following lethal terror attacks introduced by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
Source: CNN-- Agencies