In a surprising turn of events, Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas' leader in Gaza, announced on Saturday that the terrorist group has agreed to release five hostages, including American-Israeli Edan Alexander, as part of a 50-day cease-fire proposal put forth by Egypt and Qatar. As a conservative, I approach this news with cautious optimism, recognizing that while any release of hostages is a positive step, dealing with a group like Hamas requires a strong dose of skepticism.

In a potential breakthrough for stalled peace efforts, Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya announced Saturday that the movement has accepted a new ceasefire proposal from Egyptian and Qatari mediators.#CHANNEL8 https://t.co/wWTugZxtbj

— Channel 8 English (@Channel8English) March 29, 2025

According to Al Jazeera, al-Hayya made this statement during a speech, following reports from outlets like CNN and The New Arab that the proposal, introduced just two days ago, had been greenlit. Israel’s response came swiftly, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stating they’ve submitted a counter-proposal in coordination with the U.S. Details remain under wraps, which isn’t surprising given the delicate nature of these negotiations. 

Then, a counteroffer did come forth during a meeting headed by Netanyahu. He said Israel is willing to discuss the final stage of a cease-fire, where "Hamas will lay down its weapons. Its leaders will be allowed to leave. We will see to the general security in the Gaza Strip and will allow the realization of the Trump plan for voluntary migration. This is the plan."

Negotiations for the release of hostages:
Hamas agrees to release 5 live hostages over 50 days . 5 installments, one hostage every ten days.

In Israel, they oppose and demand:
11 live hostages
Half of the kidnapped people
In 40 days.
Release of all 11 hostages alive at the…

— Melissa Chapman-Mushnick מרים (@MelissaSChapman) March 30, 2025

The cease-fire is slated to kick off during Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan, starting Sunday and wrapping up Wednesday. The hostages, including Alexander—a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen nabbed during Hamas’ brutal October 7, 2023, attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead—would be freed after Passover, which spans April 12-20. Alexander, born in Tel Aviv but raised in New Jersey, was serving in Israel’s military when he was taken. His release, if it happens, would be a small but meaningful victory.

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Al-Hayya also said Hamas is on board with setting up an independent panel of experts to manage Gaza’s civil affairs. He claims they’re willing to cede some control but drew a hard line at disarming. “The resistance’s arms are a red line,” he declared, tying their weapons to Israel’s presence and the dream of a Palestinian state. This stance is a glaring red flag for conservatives who see Hamas’ refusal to disarm as a guarantee of future violence. Peace can’t stand on shaky ground with an armed terrorist group calling the shots.

The deal echoes a U.S. proposal from weeks back, spearheaded by special envoy Steve Witkoff. It’s unclear if this version includes returning the bodies of deceased hostages, as the American plan did. Israel estimates 24 hostages are still alive, a grim reminder of the stakes. So far, in six exchanges, Israel has secured 25 living hostages and the remains of four others while releasing over 1,100 prisoners—a lopsided trade that’s tough to stomach.

This new proposal extends the first cease-fire phase, which ran from January 18 to March 1 and allowed humanitarian aid into Gaza. It also reportedly funnels nearly $2 billion to Hamas’ military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, divvied up by rank. That’s a bitter pill—rewarding terrorists with cash while they hold firm on demands like a full Israeli withdrawal and a broader cease-fire covering the West Bank and Jerusalem. Phase two promises a permanent end to fighting, an Israeli exit from Gaza, and the return of remaining hostages, alongside a supposed “full demilitarization” of Gaza. But with Hamas clinging to its arsenal, that last part sounds like wishful thinking.

From a conservative lens, this deal raises big questions. Israel’s security can’t be compromised, and Hamas’ track record—marked by that horrific October 7 attack—doesn’t inspire trust. Netanyahu’s counter-proposal suggests Israel isn’t rolling over, which is reassuring. Still, the idea of bankrolling Hamas’ military leaders while they refuse to disarm feels like a dangerous concession. If this truce holds and hostages come home, it’s a win. But let’s not kid ourselves: Peace with an armed Hamas is a fantasy, and conservatives should keep pushing for a solution that prioritizes Israel’s safety over appeasement.

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