Israel Demands Full Hostage Release Amid Ceasefire Offer from Hamas; Doubts Loom Over 60-Day Truce Deal.

Gaza/Tel Aviv:

Hopes for a new ceasefire in Gaza hang in the balance as Israel demands the release of all 50 remaining hostages, casting doubt over a 60-day truce deal proposed by Hamas and accepted through Egyptian and Qatari mediation.

While Hamas has agreed to the latest proposal – described as “98% identical” to a previous U.S.-backed plan Israel had accepted in June – Israeli officials have signaled unwillingness to proceed unless all hostages are freed at once.

Israeli government spokesman David Mencer stated that Israel is not interested in “partial deals.” “Things have changed now. The Prime Minister has laid out a plan for the future of Gaza,” he said.

The Ceasefire Proposal: A Familiar Outline

The new proposal mirrors a prior plan put forth by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. Under it, Hamas would release 10 living hostages and 18 bodies in phases over two months. In return, Israel would free 1,500 Palestinian detainees from Gaza, 150 prisoners serving life sentences, and 50 others with long-term sentences.

Additionally, Israeli troops would withdraw from key areas of Gaza, although they would remain stationed in southern military corridors like Morag and Philadelphi.

Israel’s Conditions: All Hostages or No Deal.

Despite not outright rejecting the plan, an official in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office reiterated a firm stance: “Israel demands the release of all 50 hostages in accordance with the principles set by the cabinet to end the war. We are in the final stage of defeating Hamas and will not leave any hostage behind.”

Netanyahu’s government continues to hold to a hardline framework for any permanent ceasefire:

Complete disarmament of Hamas

Demilitarisation of Gaza

Israeli security control of Gaza’s perimeter

Governance in Gaza not involving Hamas or the Palestinian Authority

In a video statement Monday, Netanyahu said he had reviewed military plans for a full reoccupation of Gaza City, vowing to “complete our missions.”

Divided Pressure: Public Wants Deal, Far-Right Coalition Opposes It.

The Israeli public and families of hostages continue to pressure the government to accept a deal that would bring their loved ones home. However, Netanyahu faces opposing pressure from far-right coalition partners who insist on total military victory.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that a partial deal would be a “defeat” and a “surrender” that would give Hamas a lifeline. “It is forbidden to surrender and give a lifeline to the enemy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Einav Zangauker, whose son is believed to be among the hostages, expressed growing frustration: “Netanyahu… is deliberately setting unworkable conditions as an obstacle,” she said, warning that a breakthrough had been possible a month ago.

Hostage Numbers and Gaza Crisis

According to Israel, only 20 of the 50 remaining hostages are believed to be alive after nearly 11 months of war. The rest are presumed dead.

The war began following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken into Gaza.

In response, Israel launched a full-scale military operation across Gaza, which has since resulted in the deaths of at least 62,064 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.

The humanitarian toll is staggering:

Over 90% of homes destroyed or damaged

Multiple displacements of Gaza’s 2.1 million people

Collapse of healthcare, water, and sanitation systems

Warnings from UN-backed experts that the “worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out”

What Comes Next?

Israel’s cabinet is expected to meet later this week to approve a military plan to occupy Gaza City, a move that may further complicate the fragile negotiations.

While Qatar and Egypt continue mediation efforts, and Hamas claims it seeks a “partial deal leading to a comprehensive deal,” the likelihood of any breakthrough hinges on whether Israel softens its position — or presses ahead with its military strategy.

As the humanitarian crisis worsens and diplomatic options narrow, the fate of hostages and millions of civilians hangs precariously in the balance.