Mediators are working to develop a new initiative aimed at ending the war in Gaza, with plans to present it to both Israel and Hamas in the coming days.

The initiative, being drafted by Egypt and Qatar with support from Turkey and in full coordination with the United States, remains shrouded in secrecy. Diplomatic sources suggest it may represent the final attempt before Israel launches a military operation to occupy Gaza City.

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Unlike previous talks, which focused on partial and gradual agreements, this time the goal appears to be a comprehensive settlement: the release of all Israeli hostages — both alive and dead — in exchange for ending hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

A Palestinian source, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized the significant gaps between Israeli and U.S. positions on one side and Hamas’s position on the other. These gaps remain “very wide” and require considerable work to reach a formula acceptable to all parties.

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According to Israel’s public broadcaster, mediators have presented Hamas with a comprehensive proposal that includes the release of all captives in exchange for Palestinian security prisoners, along with the disarmament of Hamas. The plan also calls for a new Israeli withdrawal from Gaza under joint Arab-American supervision, leading to a lasting resolution on disarmament and governance of the territory.

Among Israel’s conditions is Hamas’s commitment to freeze its military wing’s activities and surrender its weapons, under international guarantees — including from Turkey. Parallel negotiations would seek to establish a permanent ceasefire.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted that Israel is no longer pursuing partial solutions and announced an accelerated military timetable to take control of Gaza, aiming to end the war quickly. However, he dismissed Hamas’s conditions, describing them as “terms of surrender.”

Israeli security analyst Ron Ben Yishai, writing in Yediot Aharonot, argued that the cabinet’s decision to occupy Gaza City is designed to maintain constant pressure on Hamas to return to negotiations and agree to a comprehensive deal.

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There are also disagreements within Israel’s own negotiation team over the feasibility of making progress, even toward a partial agreement. On the Hamas side, some internal voices are open to resuming talks for a limited deal, while mediators are expected to step up pressure on both sides in the coming days.

In this context, a short visit by a Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya to Cairo is planned. However, this visit is not intended to resume direct negotiations but rather to resolve recent tensions between the movement and Egypt, sparked after Hamas called for popular demonstrations in Egypt against Israel — a move that angered Cairo.

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