Hamas says it offered 5-year Gaza ceasefire, release of all captives

CAIRO – 2 May 2025: Senior Hamas official Abdul Rahman Shadid said they have presented a “clear and responsible” vision that includes a five-year ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of all captives that they still hold.

In a video statement, Shadid said their vision includes a ceasefire supported by regional and international guarantees, along with a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.

Hamas also calls for lifting of the blockade to allow the entry of humanitarian aid to the strip while enabling the reconstruction process to kick off.

Hamas’s offer also includes the formation of an independent committee for the management of Gaza, according to an Egyptian proposal.

He said that this Community Support Committee, set to comprise independent technocrats provide security and services to people amid the current critical period.

He added that the Egyptian proposal to form the Community Support Committee ensures the management of the Strip's affairs, free from direct political interference.

The committee is part of a plan for the early recovery and reconstruction of Gaza, presented by Egypt and endorsed by Arab and Muslim countries besides other international actors in March.

Under the plan, an administrative committee made up of Palestinian professionals and independent technocrats is set to govern Gaza, which is currently ruled by Hamas, until the Palestinian Authority reestablishes control over the enclave under the plan.

Hamas continues to hold 59 captives, with at least 22 believed to be alive, and has expressed readiness to release all remaining captives in exchange for an end to the Israeli war.

However, Israeli forces resumed bombardment on Gaza on March 18, shattering a two-month ceasefire that had resulted in the release of 38 captives from Gaza, 30 of whom were alive.

The war in Gaza has so far killed over 52,400 Palestinians, most of whom are women and children, including more than 2,300 fatalities since the resumption of bombardment, according to the health ministry in the enclave.

Israel has rejected Hamas's offers for a captive deal that would involve the release of all captives in exchange for a permanent ceasefire.

Instead, Tel Aviv has proposed only a temporary truce, stating that Hamas must disarm for a permanent ceasefire to be established—a condition that Hamas has described as "impossible" and a "red line."

Hamas has warned that the renewed Israeli aggression represents "a death sentence" for the remaining captives.