The movement said in a statement that its leadership "received (US Middle East envoy Steve) Witkoff's new proposal from the mediators," adding that it "is studying this proposal responsibly, in a way that serves the interests of our people, provides relief, and achieves a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip."
The movement did not reveal details of the proposal, at a time when international mediation efforts are witnessing renewed activity amid the ongoing genocide perpetrated by Israel in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023.
On Thursday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will hold a "limited" security meeting to discuss the US proposal.
The official Israeli Broadcasting Authority said that Netanyahu is expected to hold a "limited security meeting this evening to discuss the new path proposed for a prisoner exchange and ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, in light of the recent proposals presented by US envoy Steve Witkoff." The authority did not specify which Israeli officials would participate in the meeting in addition to Netanyahu.
An unnamed senior Israeli source was quoted as saying that Tel Aviv received the American proposal last night. The source said the proposal "includes the release of 10 living Israeli prisoners, along with the return of the bodies of 10 others, in two batches, in exchange for a temporary ceasefire for 60 days."
Tel Aviv estimates that there are 58 Israeli prisoners in Gaza, 20 of whom are still alive. Meanwhile, more than 10,100 Palestinians are languishing in its prisons, suffering torture, starvation, and medical neglect, many of whom have died, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights and media reports.
The privately owned Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth also reported on what it claimed were other details of the agreement, stating: "Negotiations to end the war will continue during the ceasefire."
The newspaper explained that if a framework is agreed upon, the remaining prisoners, both living and dead, will be released. However, if the talks fail, "Israel reserves the right to resume military action," with the possibility of extending the ceasefire in exchange for the release of more prisoners, according to the newspaper.
She added, "Under the plan, humanitarian aid to Gaza will resume through the United Nations and international agencies, and Israel will release (Palestinian) prisoners in accordance with previous agreements."
"The Israeli army will withdraw to its pre-attack positions (in March), maintaining its presence along the Philadelphi Corridor, which runs along the border between Gaza and Egypt, but will withdraw from the Morag Corridor between Rafah and Khan Yunis (southern Gaza Strip)," she continued, noting that "Israeli officials received the proposal in the last few hours, but have not yet officially responded to it."
She added, "Initial assessments indicate that Israel is unlikely to reject it, as it mirrors envoy Witkoff's previous plan," which included the release of 10 prisoners in a single phase. She said, "If Israel accepts the new plan, detailed negotiations will continue in Doha."
Witkoff expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching a permanent solution to the crisis, telling reporters at the White House on Wednesday evening: "We are about to issue a new terms of reference document, and we hope it will be delivered later today. The President (Donald Trump) will review it." He added that he expects a temporary ceasefire to pave the way for a long-term peaceful solution.
Hamas has repeatedly affirmed its willingness to release Israeli prisoners "in one batch" in exchange for an end to the war of extermination, the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
But Netanyahu, who is wanted by international justice, insists on partial deals and evades the terms by proposing new conditions, including the disarmament of Palestinian factions. He is currently insisting on reoccupying Gaza.
The Israeli opposition and the prisoners' families assert that Netanyahu is continuing the war in deference to the more extreme right-wing faction within his government, to advance his personal political interests, particularly his continued hold on power.
