Hamas has set new terms for the release of a U.S. hostage, tying the move to the opening of the Rafah Crossing and an extension of the current Gaza ceasefire by approximately two months.
A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Friday to negotiate the conditions, according to an Egyptian source familiar with the discussions. The group is seeking to allow aid into the Gaza Strip and to transition directly into the second phase of a ceasefire agreement, aiming for a permanent cessation of hostilities.
“Hamas has proposed that in exchange for opening the Rafah Crossing and extending the ceasefire, they will release an Israeli prisoner holding U.S. citizenship and provide the bodies of four other hostages,” the source revealed.
The Egyptian mediators have communicated these conditions to Israel and are awaiting a response. The outcome could significantly impact the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the progress towards a lasting peace.
The initial ceasefire agreement, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, took effect on January 19 and was designed to unfold in three phases. However, negotiations for the second phase stalled after the first 42-day period expired on March 1.
Since the ceasefire’s expiration, Israel has halted aid and food shipments into Gaza, intensifying concerns over the well-being of residents.
As talks continue in Cairo, the international community watches closely, hopeful that an agreement can ease tensions and bring relief to those affected by the conflict.
