Hamas Offers Hostage Release in Exchange for Ceasefire as Israeli Offensive Intensifies

Hamas has proposed a new hostage deal in the wake of renewed Israeli military operations in Gaza. The offer, made during fresh negotiations in Doha on Saturday, would see the release of nine Israeli hostages in return for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

New Ceasefire Proposal Emerges Amid Rising Violence

According to a Palestinian official speaking to the BBC, the proposed deal also includes the daily entry of 400 aid trucks and the evacuation of medical patients from the war-torn Gaza Strip. However, Israel has yet to publicly respond, and officials insist they will not withdraw troops or commit to ending the war at this stage. Israel is also demanding proof of life for all remaining hostages.

The latest negotiations are being brokered by Qatari and U.S. mediators and come just hours after Israel launched a major new offensive, dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots.

Deadly Strikes Spark Global Alarm

Israeli forces have launched their deadliest wave of strikes in months, hitting towns across northern and southern Gaza, including Beit Lahiya, Jabalia refugee camp, and Khan Younis. Over 300 people have been killed since Thursday, according to local rescuers. Thousands more have died since Israel resumed strikes in March following the collapse of a previous two-month ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to expand the military operation to eliminate Hamas, occupy parts of Gaza, and push civilians further south.

Dire Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Gaza’s humanitarian situation has deteriorated sharply. Aid agencies say food and essential supplies have been blocked from entering the region for nearly 10 weeks, leading to widespread hunger. Journalist Ghada Al Qurd, reporting from Gaza, described the environment as “terrifying,” with constant bombardments and families surviving on just one meal a day.

Accusations that Israel is “using food as a weapon” have surfaced, echoed by UN officials and humanitarian workers. Images and reports from inside Gaza show malnourished children, many suffering from severe injuries without adequate medical care.

Dr. Victoria Rose, a British surgeon at Nasser Hospital, told BBC Radio 4 that staff are exhausted and children are showing signs of extreme malnutrition. “A lot of youngsters have lost their teeth. They’re prone to infection and their wounds won’t heal,” she said.

Global Condemnation and Calls for Ceasefire

Israel’s ongoing offensive has drawn strong condemnation from global leaders. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, and Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani have called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Germany’s Foreign Ministry warned the latest escalation risks worsening the already catastrophic conditions in Gaza.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, questioned how many more lives must be lost, stating: “Atrocities are becoming the new norm, under our watch.”

The War’s Origins and Toll

The conflict escalated after Hamas launched a deadly cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since then, over 53,000 people have been killed in Gaza, including more than 3,000 since March, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.