Tel-Aviv/Gaza - Hamas has submitted a detailed ceasefire proposal to mediators and the United States, Israel says proposal is based on 'unrealistic demands'.

According to a document reported as seen by Reuters, the plan involves the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, with specific provisions for the release of certain categories of hostages.

In the proposal, Hamas advocates for the initial release of Israeli hostages, prioritizing women, children, elderly individuals, and those who are ill. Additionally, the plan includes the release of Israeli "female recruits." In exchange for these hostages, Hamas seeks the freedom of 700-1000 Palestinian prisoners, including 100 individuals serving life sentences.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office swiftly responded to the proposal, dismissing Hamas's stance as grounded in "unrealistic demands."

The international community, represented by mediators from Egypt and Qatar, has been actively engaged in brokering discussions between Israel and Hamas, aiming to find common ground amidst a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With a quarter of the population facing famine, urgency surrounds the need for a ceasefire agreement.

However, previous negotiations between Hamas and Israel have encountered obstacles, primarily due to Netanyahu's refusal to accede to certain demands. Hamas insists on a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and an increase in aid without restrictions. This stance has led to significant challenges in reaching a consensus on the terms of a ceasefire.

In February, Hamas received a draft proposal during truce talks in Paris, suggesting a temporary cessation of military operations and a prisoner exchange ratio of 10 to one. Despite the similarities with the current ceasefire proposal, Israel rejected this draft, citing its longstanding objective of dismantling Hamas. Hamas, on the other hand, emphasizes the necessity of an agreement that definitively concludes the conflict.

The conflict which traces back to October 7, when Hamas orchestrated an attack on southern Israeli towns, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages. Subsequently, Israel launched a comprehensive assault on Gaza, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread destruction.

The gravity of the humanitarian situation cannot be overstated, with the United Nations warning that over half a million people in Gaza are on the brink of famine.