Israel ponders Hamas' proposition of a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and hostage release
In a significant development, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a 60-day ceasefire, marking a temporary halt to hostilities in the ongoing conflict. The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, also includes an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza and phased hostage and prisoner exchanges.
Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas has agreed to release roughly half of the approximately 50 Israeli captives during this period. In response, Israel will release some Palestinian prisoners it holds. The details regarding the identity of the 10 living hostages to be handed over by Hamas, however, have not been disclosed.
The ceasefire framework resembles an earlier 2024 proposal accepted by Hamas, which called for a six-week ceasefire, the release of all Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held by Israel, an end to the conflict, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a multi-year reconstruction effort. This initial multi-stage proposal was drafted by mediators from the US, Egypt, and Qatar and supported by the UN Security Council.
However, Israel has missed its deadline to respond or officially accept the framework. Israeli authorities appear reluctant to agree without the full release of all Israeli hostages as a precondition, complicating progress. Additionally, political obstacles exist, such as Israel's refusal to withdraw from certain border areas like the Philadelphi corridor, as agreed in the earlier proposal signed in January 2025.
Despite these challenges, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene discussions on the proposed ceasefire. A decision on the offer is likely within two days, according to officials. The proposal also envisages the release of 200 Palestinian convicts, along with women and minors held in Israeli jails.
It's important to note that the proposal does not release all captives, as demanded by the Israeli political source. Furthermore, the details of the comprehensive agreement to end the war, as mentioned by Qatar's foreign ministry, were not disclosed. Qatar's foreign ministry states that the deal includes a pathway to a comprehensive agreement to end the war.
The talks to pause the conflict gained traction last week after Israel announced plans for a new offensive to seize control of Gaza City. In return, Hamas would hand over 10 living hostages and 18 bodies. The proposal does not specify the identity of the remaining 30 living hostages to be handed over by Hamas.
Washington's special envoy Steve Witkoff previously advanced the same ceasefire plan. Talks regarding the plan broke down in July due to details, as previously reported. The deal would see Hamas exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners, marking a potential step towards peace in the long-running conflict.
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