Israel Insists on Full Hostage Release as Hamas Accepts New Gaza Ceasefire Proposal

On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, a senior Israeli official reaffirmed the government’s demand for the release of all 49 remaining hostages—27 believed dead—in any Gaza ceasefire deal, following Hamas’s acceptance of a new 60-day truce proposal mediated by Qatar and Egypt, as reported by AFP and France 24. The proposal, described by Qatar’s Majed al-Ansari as “almost identical” to a previously agreed plan, includes a partial hostage release, Palestinian prisoner swaps, and increased aid, per Al-Qahera News. Hamas’s senior official Mahmoud Mardawi expressed openness to the deal, but warned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might derail it, citing past rejections (Times of Israel). Qatar noted “positive” progress but cautioned against claiming a breakthrough (WIONews).

The announcement coincided with heightened pressure on Netanyahu, with tens of thousands protesting in Tel Aviv on Sunday for a ceasefire and hostage release (BBC). Israel’s approval of a Gaza City offensive, involving 50,000–60,000 reservists, has raised fears of worsening the humanitarian crisis, with 62,064 Palestinians killed since October 2023, per Gaza’s health ministry (Daily Sabah). Hamas official Bassem Naim accused Israel of planning “genocide and ethnic cleansing,” while Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called the ceasefire a “tragedy” (Hindustan Times). In Gaza, 48 deaths were reported from Israeli strikes on Tuesday, with residents like Shawg Al-Badri struggling to access aid (AFP). X posts from @AFP (12:45 WAT, August 19, 2025) highlighted the talks, while @SuppressedNws alleged Israel’s plan could displace 1 million Gazans, reflecting global concern over the war’s toll, with 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure damaged (UN, 2025).