Hamas Offers 60-Day Ceasefire Deal to Release Israeli Hostages in Exchange for Phased Israeli Withdrawal

Watan-In an exclusive report by Middle East Eye journalist Elis Geoffroy, Hamas has reportedly proposed a 60-day ceasefire that includes the release of 10 Israeli hostages, in response to a framework presented by Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

According to a 13-point plan obtained by MEE from Palestinian sources, Hamas agreed conditionally to a temporary ceasefire monitored by U.S. President Donald Trump and contingent on Israeli compliance. Under the proposal:

• 10 hostages would be released within 60 days.

• 4 live hostages would be freed on day one, 2 on day 30, and 4 on day 60.

• 10 bodies would be returned on day one, followed by 6 on each of the following milestones.

• In return, Israel would withdraw to positions it held before March 2, 2025.

A Palestinian source close to the talks criticized Witkoff’s approach, accusing him of presenting a vague, unguaranteed deal with “bad faith intentions.” The source warned the deal could collapse due to Israel’s past violations, including the March 2 breach and resumption of war on March 18, allegedly backed by Witkoff and the U.S. administration.

Hamas also cited betrayal after releasing Israeli-American soldier Idan Alexander in hopes of humanitarian concessions that never materialized.

Hamas’s revised plan includes:

• Immediate humanitarian access, including UN-coordinated aid, per a January 19, 2025, agreement.

• A technocratic committee to manage Gaza post-war as part of a permanent ceasefire framework.

• A long-term truce of 5–7 years guaranteed by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar.

• 10–12 daily no-fly hours for Israeli surveillance/military aircraft.

• Freedom of movement through Rafah crossing and revival of commerce and basic services.

• Reconstruction of Gaza, including power, water, sewage, roads, healthcare, and education.

Hamas demanded guarantees for mutual detainee safety and called for synchronized prisoner exchange mechanisms.

Despite these adjustments, Witkoff rejected the proposal on Saturday, calling it “unacceptable” and demanding Hamas accept the current U.S. framework without modifications. However, Hamas official Bassem Naim stated that the revised offer addresses key humanitarian and security gaps and emphasized that no ceasefire is possible without clear guarantees.

Reports also indicate that Witkoff coordinated the proposal with Israeli minister Ron Dermer, raising concerns about neutrality. According to Axios, Hamas proposed an automatic extension of the temporary truce if a permanent deal is not reached within 60 days—a clause Witkoff opposed.

Palestinian negotiators warned that the current course lacks credible commitment to ending the war and fails to address Israel’s military redeployment and aid distribution logistics.