Hamas Ready for Release of All Hostages in Gaza and Five-Year Truce with Israel

Hamas has declared its readiness for an agreement to release all hostages still held in Gaza and a five-year truce with Israel. A Hamas delegation is currently in Cairo, working with mediators to find a resolution to the conflict that erupted following the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. An official from the organization stated under anonymity to the French Agency that Hamas is prepared for a one-time prisoner exchange (Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners) and a five-year ceasefire. Previously, on April 17, Hamas rejected an Israeli proposal offering a 45-day ceasefire in exchange for the return of ten living hostages held since October 7, 2023. Hamas demands a comprehensive agreement including a cessation of hostilities, full withdrawal of Israeli forces, the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where 2.4 million residents face starvation and severe health shortages according to the UN. Meanwhile, Israel seeks the return of all hostages and the disarmament of Hamas, which it has vowed to eliminate. Mahmoud al-Madhawi, a Hamas official, reiterated the need for a ‘comprehensive agreement’ backed by ‘international guarantees.’ Israel ‘can resume the war after a partial agreement but cannot do so after a comprehensive agreement accompanied by international guarantees,’ he stated. According to the Palestinian Security Services, at least 35 people were killed in the morning in the Gaza Strip, where Israel resumed its military offensive on March 18 after two months of ceasefire, aiming to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. Ten people died in the bombing of a house in Gaza City (north), leaving many others trapped under the rubble, reported Palestinian Security Services official Mohammed al-Mugaire.