A new Egyptian-led proposal offers a full exchange of hostages and prisoners, IDF withdrawal, and Hamas disarmament — but officials doubt the terror group will agree.
A Hamas delegation arrived in Egypt earlier this week, where mediators presented a far-reaching proposal aimed at ending the Gaza war and reshaping the territory’s political future. The plan, backed by Arab and American mediators, outlines a comprehensive agreement for the release of all Israeli hostages — alive and deceased — in exchange for Palestinian Arab prisoners.
Under the proposal, Hamas would agree to a new IDF withdrawal map, implemented “under Arab-American supervision” until a permanent settlement is reached on the disarmament and governance of Gaza.
Key elements of the Egyptian proposal:
- Hostage-prisoner swap: All Israeli hostages released in return for Palestinian prisoners
- Military drawdown: Gradual IDF withdrawal coordinated with Arab-American observers
- Hamas disarmament: Suspension of militant operations and surrender of weapons
- International guarantees: Turkey, along with mediators, to oversee compliance and enforce terms
However, Israeli security officials remain deeply skeptical.
“The chances that Hamas will agree to the Egyptian proposal are slim,” one official told reporters. “In the end, Hamas is a terror organization that is unlikely to disarm. But maybe the Turkish influence on Hamas will prevail, and its guarantees will manage to bring a solution.”
The proposal comes amid stalled ceasefire talks and mounting pressure on both sides to resolve the hostage crisis, which has dominated Israeli public discourse since October 7.
Whether Turkish involvement can sway Hamas — historically resistant to giving up its weapons — may determine if this latest diplomatic push gains any traction or joins the long list of failed peace initiatives.
