Hamas has expressed readiness to free all Israeli hostages if Israel agrees to a full prisoner swap, stops its military campaign in Gaza, and allows unrestricted humanitarian aid. Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said on Monday, “We are ready for a complete exchange of captives, provided it comes with a serious agreement, an end to the aggression, a withdrawal of Israeli forces, and unrestricted aid access.”

Talks in Cairo End Without Breakthrough

This statement came shortly after Hamas representatives left Cairo, where they had met with Egyptian and Qatari mediators. The United States is also involved in efforts to mediate a ceasefire. However, al-Nunu accused Israel of delaying progress, saying, “The issue is not how many captives we hold, but that the occupation is reneging on its promises, prolonging the conflict, and blocking the ceasefire process.”

He further stressed, “Hamas has therefore stressed the need for guarantees to compel the occupation (Israel) to uphold the agreement.”

New Proposal Under Review

According to Israeli news outlet Ynet, a new proposal was presented to Hamas. It involves Hamas releasing 10 living hostages in return for U.S. assurances that Israel will enter talks for a second phase of the ceasefire. The earlier truce, which began on January 19 and included several hostage-prisoner exchanges, lasted for two months but later collapsed.

Families Oppose Phased Releases

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum criticized the proposal for gradual releases. The group, which represents relatives of those still in captivity, said, “The phased method wastes valuable time and jeopardizes all of the hostages.” They demanded, “We demand the only feasible and just solution: end the war and return all the hostages at once.”

Meanwhile, Hamas remains firm on keeping its weapons. Al-Nunu declared, “The weapons of the resistance are not up for negotiation,” rejecting Israel’s condition that Hamas disarm as part of any final agreement.

Conflict Toll Continues to Rise

Israel's military stated that militants initially captured 251 hostages during the October 7 attack. As of now, 58 remain in Gaza, including 34 presumed dead. Gaza’s health ministry reported that 1,613 Palestinians have been killed since the last truce ended on March 18. This brings the total number of Palestinian deaths in the war to 50,983.