Continued Efforts for Prisoner and Hostage Exchange; Hamas Rejects Agreement Until Full Ceasefire is Established

Reuters reported, citing informed sources, that three mediating countries have proposed to Israel and the militant group Hamas to release Palestinian prisoners and hostages in Gaza in exchange for a one-month ceasefire, but Hamas has rejected this proposal. These sources told Reuters that Hamas has conditioned any negotiations regarding hostages on a complete halt to the war. According to the news agency's report, Qatar, the United States, and Egypt have recently proposed a phased release of Israeli hostages in exchange for a cessation of hostilities and the release of Palestinian prisoners, but Hamas is demanding a permanent ceasefire. Two Egyptian security sources told Reuters that mediators are trying to convince Hamas to accept the one-month ceasefire, after which a permanent ceasefire would be established. According to these sources, Hamas has requested guarantees for the implementation of the second phase of the agreement in exchange for agreeing to the initial ceasefire. Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, stated on Monday, January 22, in response to a question about the negotiations, that "we are open to all initiatives and proposals, but any agreement must be based on ending the war and the complete withdrawal of Israel from the Gaza Strip." Other sources indicated that one of Israel's proposals to end the war includes the evacuation of six senior Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif, from Gaza, a proposal that Hamas has rejected. The White House announced on Tuesday, January 23, that Brett McGurk, the U.S. envoy to the Middle East, has traveled to the region for the second time in a week to discuss the release of hostages. The White House also emphasized that Washington supports a longer "humanitarian pause" in the war in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday, January 21, that the country has rejected Hamas's proposal for a complete end to the war in exchange for the release of 136 hostages. He emphasized that accepting Hamas's request would mean that "Israeli soldiers died in vain, and we cannot guarantee security for our citizens. We cannot return evacuees to their homes, and January 6 will only be a matter of time." Hamas militants and their allies attacked southern Israel on October 6, killing over 1,200 people, most of whom were civilians. Militants also took over 240 people hostage and transferred them to Gaza. More than 100 hostages were released during a temporary ceasefire three months ago, and several were also killed. The Hamas group, which is supported by the Islamic Republic, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and several other countries worldwide. Israeli media: Hamas rejected a two-month ceasefire proposal; 24 Israeli soldiers were killed in one day. CNN: Israel offers to leave Gaza to Hamas leaders. The Israeli army reported the killing of a senior Islamic Jihad official in Gaza. Reuters: Hezbollah rejected the U.S. proposal for "de-escalation." Bombardment of Gaza continues; China calls for "rapid commencement of peace negotiations." Israel sends medicine for hostages in Gaza in coordination with Qatar.