Israel Informs Qatar That It’s Ready For Week-Long Truce For 40 Hostages

Israel conveyed to Qatar its readiness for a potential week-long cessation of hostilities in Gaza, proposing the release of approximately 40 hostages held by Hamas, Walla reports.

Senior Israeli officials and an international source confirmed that Israel transmitted the offer through Qatar, seeking a new arrangement for hostage release. During a meeting in Warsaw attended by Mossad head David Barnea and CIA head Bill Burns, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman conveyed Hamas’s requirement for negotiations to recommence—a cessation of the ongoing conflict.

In response to this condition, Barnea asserted that the conflict’s conclusion depends on Hamas disarming and surrendering all individuals responsible for the October 7 massacre. At the same meeting, Barnea presented a proposal outlining the resumption of negotiations for the release of around 40 hostages, according to Israeli officials.

The proposed hostage release involves women still in captivity, men over 60, and hostages facing life-threatening illnesses or severe injuries requiring urgent medical attention. This represents Israel’s initial offer since the cessation of the last Gaza conflict in November. Israeli authorities emphasize their determination to engage in meaningful negotiations for hostage release, despite Hamas’s expressed opposition. Currently, approximately 130 Israeli citizens and foreigners remain held captive in Gaza, with eight Americans among them, as noted by White House spokesman John Kirby.

Under the new proposal, Israel has indicated a willingness to agree to a temporary ceasefire lasting at least a week. In contrast, the previous agreement involved a week-long truce in exchange for the release of 80 hostages. Senior Israeli officials outlined a further willingness to release Palestinian prisoners convicted of more serious offenses than those included in the prior deal. They highlight the existence of a significant number of such prisoners, elderly or suffering from severe illnesses, who could be released on humanitarian grounds.

{Matzav.com Israel}