In recent developments, Israel has put forward a proposal to Hamas through Qatari and Egyptian mediators, suggesting a potential two-month pause in hostilities to facilitate the release of all hostages held in Gaza. Axios, a US news site, reported on this, citing unnamed Israeli officials.
The proposed deal is outlined in multiple stages, beginning with the release of specific groups such as women, men over 60, and those in critical medical condition. Subsequent phases include the release of women soldiers, younger civilian men, male soldiers, and the recovery of deceased hostages' bodies.
The plan also involves the release of an undetermined number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, though not all of them. Importantly, the proposal does not commit to ending the conflict but rather suggests a reduction of Israeli troops in major Gaza cities, gradually allowing residents to return to the devastated northern territories.
Israeli officials estimate that implementing this comprehensive deal may take around two months. Despite reports, Qatar, along with the US and Egypt, has contested the details. Foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari, while not commenting on specific negotiations, emphasized the importance of continued negotiations and a sustainable ceasefire in a Doha news conference.
These reported negotiations align with the upcoming visit of White House coordinator for the Middle East, Brett McGurk, who is set to meet in Egypt and Qatar with the aim of securing a new hostage exchange deal. The discussions stem from the events triggered by Hamas's October 7 attacks, during which about 250 hostages were taken. Israel reports that approximately 132 hostages, including at least 28 deceased individuals, remain in Gaza.
The aftermath of the October 7 attacks resulted in significant casualties, with around 1,140 people in Israel losing their lives, primarily civilians. In response, Israel initiated an offensive resulting in at least 25,490 casualties in Gaza, predominantly affecting women and children, according to Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry.
As negotiations unfold, the proposed ceasefire plan holds the potential to bring about a significant shift in the dynamics of the Israel-Hamas conflict, offering hope for the release of hostages and a step towards a more stable future.
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