Hamas has outlined demands for releasing an Israeli detainee holding U.S. citizenship and returning the remains of four hostages, linking the actions to opening the Rafah Crossing, allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza, and extending the current ceasefire by two months. The proposal was presented by a Hamas delegation during talks in Cairo, according to an Egyptian source close to negotiations.
The group also seeks immediate progress toward permanent cessation of hostilities as part of the ceasefire agreement's second phase. Egyptian mediators have relayed the conditions to Israeli officials, though no public response has been issued yet.
This development follows the expiration of a 42-day ceasefire brokered in January by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. Diplomatic efforts to advance the agreement stalled after March 1, with Israel blocking aid convoys to Gaza since March 2. Over 2.3 million residents of Gaza currently face severe shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies.
While negotiations remain ongoing, the deadlock underscores the complex humanitarian and geopolitical challenges in the region. Analysts suggest the Cairo talks could set precedents for future conflict resolution models involving third-party mediators.
