Al Arabiya claims Hamas may release 10 hostages in exchange for a two-month ceasefire, but Israel remains firm as the IDF advances on Gaza City—Hamas’ last stronghold.
A new round of reports suggests Hamas is testing the waters with yet another proposal to trade Israeli lives for time. Al Arabiya TV reported Monday evening that a draft proposal has emerged, offering the release of ten Israeli hostages and the return of the bodies of two hostages with U.S. citizenship, in exchange for a two-month ceasefire guaranteed by Washington and expanded humanitarian aid deliveries.
So far, neither Israel nor Hamas has issued an official response to the claims.
Meanwhile, Hamas sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that negotiations for a temporary ceasefire are intensifying, with several Arab states attempting to pressure Israel into halting the IDF’s offensive in Gaza City, widely believed to be Hamas’ last stronghold. According to Hamas’ spin, “serious efforts” are underway and there could be movement within 10 days toward a deal that includes a staged withdrawal of Israeli forces.
These latest leaks come on the heels of a Fox News revelation that Hamas drafted a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump offering to release half of the 48 remaining hostages in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire. That letter, reportedly still unsigned, is currently held by Qatar and has not been formally transmitted to Washington.
Israeli and American intelligence estimates suggest that of the 48 hostages still in Gaza, only about 20 are believed to be alive—most hidden in Hamas’ vast tunnel network.
For Israel, the message remains unchanged: Hamas’ hostage games are designed to stall IDF momentum and secure terrorist survival. With the IDF pressing deeper into Gaza City, Hamas is cornered, desperate, and trying to bargain its way out of defeat.
