Will Only Free Hostage If Ceasefire Deal is Enforced, Declares Hamas
- International Affairs Israel Middle East North America Palestine
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 5 minutes read
Hamas has declared that it will only release an American-Israeli hostage, along with the bodies of four other captives, if Israel implements the existing ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The militant group insists that the deal is an “exceptional” opportunity to revive the truce negotiations, which have been stalled for weeks. Hamas officials have also demanded the release of additional Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages, a condition that has added further complexity to the already fragile negotiations. The Israeli government, however, has expressed skepticism regarding Hamas’ proposal, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office calling it an act of “manipulation and psychological warfare.” A senior Hamas official, speaking on condition of anonymity, has outlined the group’s requirements for the release of the American-Israeli hostage and the remains of four others. Hamas has stated that the second phase of the ceasefire negotiations must begin immediately upon the hostage release and be completed within a strict 50-day timeline. This demand aligns with Hamas’ broader objective of ensuring a prolonged truce while securing concessions, particularly regarding Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons. In return, Hamas expects Israel to abide by previously agreed-upon terms, which include easing restrictions in Gaza and halting military operations. The group has framed this offer as a strategic move aimed at advancing peace efforts, though Israeli authorities remain deeply skeptical about Hamas’ true intentions.
The Israeli government has cast doubt on Hamas’ latest offer. Government offices in Israel were closed on Saturday for the weekly Sabbath, so there was no immediate official response. However, on Friday, Netanyahu’s office dismissed Hamas’ proposal, labeling it as an act of “manipulation and psychological warfare.” Israeli officials argue that Hamas is merely attempting to buy time while continuing its militant operations. Israel has maintained that any discussions regarding a ceasefire and hostage release must include robust security guarantees. The skepticism stems from previous instances where Hamas has used negotiations as a means to regroup and rearm, a concern that weighs heavily on Israel’s strategic calculations. The United States has been actively involved in mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas. On March 12, 2025, the U.S. government presented a proposal to extend the ceasefire for several more weeks to facilitate discussions on a permanent truce. The proposal aims to create a framework for a lasting resolution to the conflict, allowing humanitarian aid to reach Gaza and reducing hostilities. However, U.S. officials have accused Hamas of presenting a misleading image of flexibility. While publicly claiming to be open to negotiations, Hamas has reportedly made demands in private that the U.S. considers “entirely impractical.” These demands, which include the unconditional release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners and significant Israeli military concessions, have stalled meaningful progress. The ongoing deadlock between Hamas and Israel highlights the challenges in achieving a sustainable resolution to the conflict. Several key issues remain unresolved:
- Trust Deficit: Israel views Hamas’ demands as a strategic ploy, while Hamas sees Israel’s reluctance to engage as an indication of bad faith.
- Prisoner Exchange Dilemma: Hamas’ insistence on the release of more Palestinian prisoners adds another layer of difficulty to the negotiations.
- Security Concerns: Israel remains wary of any agreement that does not provide strong assurances against further attacks.
- International Pressure: While the U.S. and other global actors push for a ceasefire extension, Hamas and Israel continue to hold firm on their respective positions.
The situation remains tense as negotiations between Hamas and Israel show little sign of immediate breakthrough. Hamas’ insistence on implementing the ceasefire agreement as a prerequisite for hostage release has met with resistance from Israel, which views the group’s demands as an attempt to manipulate the situation. The U.S. continues to play a mediating role, but conflicting priorities on both sides hinder progress. With tensions in Gaza persisting and international efforts ongoing, the fate of the American-Israeli hostage and the broader ceasefire agreement remains uncertain. Whether Hamas’ latest offer will lead to renewed dialogue or further deepen the impasse is yet to be seen.
