Gaza Deal: Details of a New Israeli Proposal for Hamas

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Two Israeli officials confirmed on Thursday that Tel Aviv had presented Hamas with an updated proposal for an agreement to release some of the remaining 100 hostages held by the group and initiate a ceasefire in Gaza.

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The American website Axios quoted Israeli officials as saying that “the updated framework for the deal is not significantly different from the proposal negotiated in August that did not materialize, but it includes some changes and room for maneuver and negotiation.”

However, the Israeli officials stated that “the focus is now on trying to implement the first phase of that deal with some modifications.” They also emphasized that “Hamas has shown greater willingness to demonstrate flexibility and begin implementing at least a partial agreement.”

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Details of the New Proposal

Israeli officials explained that the updated framework was agreed upon during a meeting led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, attended by several senior ministers and heads of Israeli security agencies.

The principles of the updated framework were conveyed to senior Egyptian intelligence officials, who presented them to Hamas representatives during talks on Monday and Tuesday in Cairo.

The proposal includes Israel’s readiness to negotiate a ceasefire lasting between 42 and 60 days. The previous proposal had included a ceasefire of 42 days only.

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The updated proposal also includes “the release of all women abducted by Hamas, as well as all men over 50 years old who are still alive and suffering from severe medical conditions.”

In the past, Israel had demanded the release of 33 living hostages from these categories. Now, Israel is willing to accept a smaller number, according to officials.

One reason for this shift is “an assessment that some hostages in these categories are no longer alive.”

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As in the previous framework, Israel has stated it is “prepared to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages, including those serving life sentences for killing Israelis.”

Israeli officials noted that “Egypt has now become the main channel for negotiations with Hamas, although Qatar remains involved after stepping back from its role as mediator.”

The Israeli officials expressed hope that pressure from President-elect Donald Trump would provide an opportunity to resume negotiations that have been stalled for three months.

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Awaiting Hamas‘s Response

The Israeli officials indicated that it remains unclear what Hamas‘s position will be on the updated framework proposed by Israel.

An Israeli official stated: “We are waiting to understand from the Egyptians what Hamas’s response will be. In a few days, we will know if Hamas is willing to negotiate within the framework we have presented.”

According to sources, “if Hamas provides a positive response, an Israeli delegation will travel to Cairo to try to finalize the details, including the number of days for the ceasefire, the number of hostages to be released, and the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange for each hostage.”

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Discovery of a Deceased Hostage

The Israeli army announced the discovery of the body of hostage Itay Seversky, who had been abducted alive from Be’eri, a kibbutz near Gaza, during Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023.

The army stated that Itay Seversky was killed by Hamas members several months after his abduction. Around 100 hostages remain in Gaza, including seven Americans. The Israeli army estimates that 40 to 50 of the hostages are still alive.

More than 44,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli forces since Hamas’s attacks last year, according to local health officials.

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