Report: Israel Presented Hamas With Updated Proposal For Hostage Deal

Israel has presented an updated proposal to Hamas aimed at securing the release of some of the remaining 100 hostages and establishing a ceasefire in Gaza, according to two Israeli officials who spoke with Axios on Wednesday.

Israeli officials are optimistic that the recent elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the ceasefire reached in Lebanon, and the influence of US President-elect Trump could create a new opportunity to resume negotiations that have been stalled for the past three months.

The new proposal largely mirrors the framework discussed in August, which ultimately failed, but the primary objective now is to move forward with the initial phase of that deal, incorporating some changes, as the officials explained.

They also pointed out that Hamas has become more willing to consider implementing a partial agreement.

The updated proposal was finalized during a Sunday meeting called by Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, which included senior ministers and top Israeli security officials.

Key elements of the proposal were shared with senior Egyptian intelligence officers, who then conveyed the terms to Hamas representatives during talks in Cairo on Monday and Tuesday.

According to Israeli officials, Egypt has now taken on the central role as the mediator in these talks, while Qatar remains involved, though in a diminished capacity.

The principles of the updated framework are similar to those discussed in previous talks, with adjustments made to allow for further flexibility and negotiation, as Axios reports.

The proposal suggests a ceasefire lasting between 42 and 60 days, much like the 42-day ceasefire proposed in the earlier framework. Additionally, Israel has proposed releasing all surviving female hostages, all male hostages over the age of 50, and those in critical medical condition.

Israel had initially demanded the release of 33 hostages in these categories, but now it is prepared to accept a smaller number, acknowledging that some of these individuals may no longer be alive. In return, Israel is willing to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life sentences for killing Israelis.

One of Trump’s advisers told Axios that the president-elect is in favor of a deal, provided it aligns with Israel’s conditions, stressing the urgency of reaching an agreement.

“The lives of the hostages are in danger,” the adviser said. “Trump wants such a deal to be implemented as soon as possible and without delay before January 20.”

Israeli officials have said that Hamas’ position on the updated proposal is still unclear.

Earlier on Wednesday, Reuters reported that Qatar has resumed its role as a primary mediator in the negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

Meanwhile, according to the report, Steve Witkoff, the incoming Middle East envoy for US President-elect Donald Trump, has begun diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a Gaza ceasefire and a hostage release agreement.

Witkoff met with the prime ministers of both Qatar and Israel as part of these efforts, a source familiar with the discussions told Reuters.

These meetings took place during Witkoff’s visits to Qatar and Israel in late November, the source added.

In previous rounds of talks, the United States had been advocating for a ceasefire and hostage release deal that President Joe Biden first proposed in May. However, Hamas rejected that proposal, along with every other proposal that was put forward.

Last week, Hamas issued an official statement expressing its interest in a deal to end the war, which began after it launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

However, Hamas reiterated in the statement that any agreement must include an end to the war and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

{Matzav.com}