The negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire commenced earlier this week in Doha. The first phase was implemented on January 19, 2025, and was observed for six weeks.
With negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire underway in Qatar, the United States has put forth a new proposal for Israel and Hamas. As per reports, this new proposal, presented by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, would focus on the release of a handful of living hostages in exchange for a month-long ceasefire.
As per CNN, based on this US proposal, not only will the remaining hostages be released, Israel will also be required to lift its blockade on humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Israel imposed a blockade on aid hours after the first phase on the ceasefire expired on March 2, 2025.
As per reports, around 59 hostages remain in Hamas' captivity. However, fewer than half are expected to be alive. The official number of the living hostages is yet to be released by Hamas.
However, The Hostages and Missing Families’ Forum has called for the one time release of all hostages - dead or alive.
"The publications about the outline for the return of only a few hostages raise serious concerns among the families of the hostages that their loved ones will be left in captivity for a long and unknown period,” read an official statement issued by the forum.
If this proposal is adopted, it would work towards the exchange of living hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
The negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire commenced earlier this week in Doha. The first phase was implemented on January 19, 2025, and was observed for six weeks.
During this ceasefire, around 33 hostages were released and exchanged for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.