U.S. Proposal on Gaza on Hamas’ Table… Talk of a Possible Breakthrough
Regional and international efforts have brought the U.S. proposal for Gaza back to the forefront, amid growing expectations of a possible breakthrough in stalled negotiations.
On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced “significant progress” in the truce talks.
Israel’s Channel 13 outlined the details of the anticipated agreement, noting that it involves a gradual ceasefire in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The agreement is structured in three phases and is being negotiated under international sponsorship led by the United States, with Qatari and Egyptian mediation.
Proposal in Hamas’ Hands
According to The Jerusalem Post, Hamas is preparing an updated response to the proposal presented by U.S. envoy Steve Whitkoff. The plan includes the release of 10 hostages in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire, amid renewed negotiations fueled by regional and international pressure.
So far, Hamas has not commented on Netanyahu’s announcement regarding progress in the negotiations.
An Israeli official told the newspaper, “There’s a chance. Contacts are ongoing – and developments are happening.”
Last night, a meeting chaired by Netanyahu focused on the ongoing talks over a potential hostage release deal. Sources familiar with the details believe that Hamas’ upcoming response could pave the way for a breakthrough in negotiations.
Gal Hirsch, Israel’s coordinator for prisoners and missing persons, told the families of hostages over the weekend:
“Alongside the intensive military operations by the IDF and Shin Bet in Gaza, efforts and communications are continuing to reach an agreement on the hostages via various channels, with a strong focus on maintaining confidentiality and information security.”
Details Await Official Confirmation
While Netanyahu has not disclosed specific details, Channel 13 reported the following:
- On day one of implementation, 8 live hostages would be released.
- Two more would be freed on day 60, marking the end of phase one.
- The deal would also include three separate phases to retrieve the bodies of hostages who died in captivity.
The agreement also includes a full ceasefire throughout its duration, with a commitment to conduct parallel political negotiations aimed at achieving a final resolution to the war that began in October 2024.
U.S. Guarantees
According to Channel 13, the most notable feature of this round of talks is the personal guarantees offered by U.S. President Donald Trump and his special envoy Steve Whitkoff to ensure the stability of the truce and the continuity of the political process.
Diplomatic sources described these guarantees as an unprecedented move by the American administration on this issue.
