Hamas accepts new hostage deal, which Israel counters with demand for additional captives

"At least five hostages held by Hamas, including New Jersey native Edan Alexander, could be freed under new cease-fire proposals, officials said Saturday as tens of thousands of protestors flooded Israeli streets demanding the release of all captives.
The terror group agreed to release the five hostages, who were kidnapped in its Oct. 7, 2023 massacre in Israel, in exchange for a 50-day cease-fire over the Eid al-Fitr holiday and continuing through Passover.
The proposal, put forward by Egypt after continued pressure from the US over the impasse, also calls for the release of Palestinian prisoners." ms