Hamas Proposes Complete Captive Release for Lasting Truce, Israeli Withdrawal from Gaza

Hamas has proposed a comprehensive exchange of all remaining captives held in the Gaza Strip in exchange for a lasting truce and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the besieged enclave, Al Jazeera reports.

In a statement released Wednesday, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem outlined the group’s vision for the second phase of the ceasefire deal, centering on a swift and complete swap.

“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.

The group staunchly rejected Israel’s demand for its disarmament and removal from Gaza.

“The occupation’s condition of removing Hamas from the Gaza Strip is a ridiculous psychological war, and the withdrawal or disarmament of the resistance from Gaza is unacceptable,” Qassem added.

The proposal follows criticism from United States President Donald Trump regarding the phased weekly release of captives taken from Israel. Additionally, families of those still held in Gaza have publicly appealed for their loved ones to be freed all at once.

Just last week, Hamas threatened to halt releases, citing Israel’s alleged violations of the ceasefire agreement, including the refusal to allow mobile homes and heavy equipment into Gaza and reported attacks on Palestinians.

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, the ongoing conflict has resulted in 48,291 deaths and 111,722 injuries in Gaza. The Government Media Office puts the death toll even higher, at at least 61,709, estimating that thousands of Palestinians missing under the rubble are presumed dead.

A recent report by the World Bank, the United Nations, and the European Union estimated that rebuilding Gaza could cost $53.2 billion, with some $15.2 billion needed for housing alone.

The current ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on January 19, ending over 460 days of conflict. Since then, Israel has been accused of multiple violations of the agreement, with discussions within the Israeli government suggesting a possible return to full-scale fighting. Certain far-right ministers in Netanyahu’s cabinet have even advocated for a military occupation of the Gaza Strip.

Since the ceasefire took effect, a total of 1,135 Palestinians have been released from Israeli prisons. Israel is scheduled to release an additional 502 Palestinians this week. To date, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have released 25 captives since January 19.