Israel is assessing Hamas’ response to a US-backed ceasefire proposal that would see a 60-day truce and the release of half the hostages still held in Gaza, two Israeli officials said Tuesday. One source stressed that Israel insists all captives must be freed to end the war.

Efforts to pause the fighting gained momentum after Israel announced plans for a new offensive to seize Gaza City, the enclave’s population centre. Mediators Egypt and Qatar have been pushing proposals to restart indirect talks.

The plan includes releasing 200 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, alongside unspecified women and minors, in exchange for 10 living and 18 deceased hostages, a Hamas official said. Two Egyptian security sources confirmed the details and added that Hamas is also seeking the release of hundreds of detainees from Gaza.

Israel reports 50 hostages remain in Gaza, 20 of them alive. “Israel’s policy is consistent and has not changed. We demand the release of all 50 hostages. We are in the final decisive stage against Hamas and will not leave anyone behind,” an Israeli political source said. While firm, the statement did not explicitly reject the Hamas proposal.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene a discussion on the truce in the coming days. Before Hamas’ response Monday, Netanyahu had ruled out any deal that does not return all hostages.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said the truce could provide “a pathway to a comprehensive agreement to end the war.” The proposal also calls for a partial Israeli withdrawal, increased humanitarian aid, and measures to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, home to 2.2 million people facing famine.

Negotiations have stalled before over technical and political details, including proportional representation and local elections. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Israel Katz met commanders to approve a four-stage plan for Gaza City: building humanitarian infrastructure in southern Gaza, evacuation, encirclement, and urban manoeuvres. Thousands have fled west and south to escape the anticipated ground offensive.

On the ground, violence continues: at least 20 Palestinians were killed Tuesday by Israeli fire, according to Gaza health authorities. Displaced residents in Khan Younis expressed mixed hopes about a truce. “Every time Israel rejects proposals, I expect the same this time,” said Abdallah Al-Khawaja, while Awad Labde voiced hope for a positive response.

Domestic Pressures in Israel

Tens of thousands of Israelis protested Sunday, demanding a deal to end hostilities and secure the remaining hostages. Netanyahu faces pressure from far-right coalition partners opposed to a truce, with calls to continue fighting until Hamas is defeated and Gaza annexed. Families of hostages have also urged action for their safe return.

Hamas official Izzat El-Reshiq described the proposal as an interim agreement paving the way for broader negotiations. A source close to the talks said Hamas accepted it without further demands. Yet key gaps remain, as Israel insists Hamas disarm and its leaders leave Gaza—a condition Hamas publicly rejects.

The war began with a Hamas-led incursion into Israel, killing 1,200 and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s counteroffensive has since killed over 62,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, and displaced most of Gaza’s population, worsening an ongoing humanitarian disaster.