Hamas was considering a new framework proposed by Egypt calling to release up to 33 hostages in exchange for a pause in Gaza hostilities, CNN reported.
The latest proposal is split into two stages, the first of which calls for the release of between 20 and 33 hostages over several weeks in exchange for a pause and the release of Palestinian prisoners. The second phase, called “restoration of sustainable calm,” involves exchanging the remaining hostages, captured Israeli soldiers and hostage bodies for more Palestinian prisoners.
Inability to reach a deal could deepen Israel’s presence in Gaza, as if no agreement is reached, Israel is likely to launch a large-scale ground offensive into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians are sheltering. Israel’s allies, including the US, have warned against the operation due to the risk of large-scale civilian casualties.
Israel is waiting for a response from Hamas, which met with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo on Monday. An Israeli delegation of Mossad, Shin Bet and the Israeli military officials is expected to travel to Cairo on Tuesday, according to the Israeli source.
It is reported that the duration of the first phase of the combat pause will be linked to the number of hostages released.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Monday that Hamas had been presented with a ceasefire proposal that was “extraordinarily generous on the part of Israel.”
In this moment the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is Hamas. They [Hamas] have to decide and they have to decide quickly. I’m hopeful that they will make the right decision.
Israeli officials have expressed their willingness to negotiate the “restoration of sustainable calm” as part of a comprehensive agreement that would effectively end the war. According to an Israeli source, Egypt has proposed that the parties agree to a one-year ceasefire as part of a comprehensive agreement that includes the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip and the release of all remaining hostages and dead bodies.
The sources added that Israel had now also agreed to unrestricted Palestinian movement into northern Gaza, a key demand of Hamas, which had stalled the talks in the past.
According to White House transcripts of the conversation, US President Joe Biden stated during Sunday’s conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that more humanitarian aid was needed and “reiterated his clear position” on a potential Israeli offensive on Rafah.
