U.S. Envoy Proposes Updated Ceasefire Deal Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict
Negotiations involve an exchange of hostages and a potential path to a lasting ceasefire.
U.S. envoy Steve Whitehouse has presented an updated proposal for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange to both Israel and Hamas, according to an Israeli official and a source familiar with the negotiations.
The discussions are currently ongoing as both parties are under pressure to accept the terms outlined.
Despite the presence of separate negotiation teams from Israel and Hamas in Doha, conversations regarding Whitehouse's proposal are taking place through different channels.
The envoy is reportedly communicating directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his advisor Ron Dermer, while also engaging with Hamas leaders in Doha through a mediator.
The new proposal includes the release of ten hostages in exchange for a ceasefire lasting between 45 to 60 days, alongside the release of Palestinian prisoners.
This proposal differs from previous offers by emphasizing that this ceasefire could mark the beginning of a broader process potentially leading to an end to the conflict.
An informed source indicated that the new offer aims to provide guarantees to Hamas that agreeing to a partial deal now might pave the way for a future resolution to the ongoing war.
Netanyahu has reportedly given an initial positive response to the proposal, although this acceptance is conditional and includes several reservations.
Hamas has not yet provided a final agreement, but it has demanded clear assurances that the temporary ceasefire could develop into a permanent solution.
Earlier today, a Hamas leader informed a news network that the organization is willing to release between seven and nine Israeli detainees in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire, in addition to the release of 300 Palestinian prisoners.
An Israeli official mentioned that the current negotiations taking place in Doha are largely superficial, emphasizing that substantive talks have not yet commenced at that location.
Should both parties agree to the foundational principles, the negotiations would move to Doha to address further specifics.
In a related development, the Israel Defense Forces announced the beginning of expanded ground operations in northern and southern Gaza earlier today.
The discussions are currently ongoing as both parties are under pressure to accept the terms outlined.
Despite the presence of separate negotiation teams from Israel and Hamas in Doha, conversations regarding Whitehouse's proposal are taking place through different channels.
The envoy is reportedly communicating directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his advisor Ron Dermer, while also engaging with Hamas leaders in Doha through a mediator.
The new proposal includes the release of ten hostages in exchange for a ceasefire lasting between 45 to 60 days, alongside the release of Palestinian prisoners.
This proposal differs from previous offers by emphasizing that this ceasefire could mark the beginning of a broader process potentially leading to an end to the conflict.
An informed source indicated that the new offer aims to provide guarantees to Hamas that agreeing to a partial deal now might pave the way for a future resolution to the ongoing war.
Netanyahu has reportedly given an initial positive response to the proposal, although this acceptance is conditional and includes several reservations.
Hamas has not yet provided a final agreement, but it has demanded clear assurances that the temporary ceasefire could develop into a permanent solution.
Earlier today, a Hamas leader informed a news network that the organization is willing to release between seven and nine Israeli detainees in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire, in addition to the release of 300 Palestinian prisoners.
An Israeli official mentioned that the current negotiations taking place in Doha are largely superficial, emphasizing that substantive talks have not yet commenced at that location.
Should both parties agree to the foundational principles, the negotiations would move to Doha to address further specifics.
In a related development, the Israel Defense Forces announced the beginning of expanded ground operations in northern and southern Gaza earlier today.
