In the latest developments regarding a prisoner exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli government has offered a new proposal to Hamas, which includes a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for one week in exchange for the release of 35 prisoners, according to CNN. An unnamed U.S. official stated, "Israel has presented a new offer to Hamas for a one-week ceasefire during which 35 new Israeli hostages would be released, including those remaining with the movement who are women, the elderly, wounded, and sick."
According to the official, this group includes the three elderly men who were captured from a kibbutz near the Gaza border and recently appeared in a video broadcasted by the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, beginning with the phrase "Do not let us grow old," in which they demanded action for their release.
The spokesperson noted that despite Hamas's announcement yesterday, Thursday, that it would not agree to any discussions regarding prisoner exchanges until Israel ends its military operations, American officials still believe there are ways to secure the release of more prisoners.
### Relatively Long Ceasefire
Earlier today, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that the Israeli war cabinet is considering an offer to Hamas that would include a relatively long ceasefire, not just one week. The authority quoted unnamed officials stating that Israel is currently discussing additional proposals that could persuade Hamas to relent on its demands and create an opportunity for meaningful progress towards a significant prisoner release agreement. This announcement comes after factions affirmed in a statement that there is a national Palestinian decision that discussions about prisoners and exchange deals will only occur after a comprehensive halt to the war.
