People walk past a wall with hostage posters in Tel Aviv, Israel, 18 August 2024. Photo: /Florian Goga/Reuters
Israel has submitted through Egyptian mediators an updated ceasefire proposal that provides for the release of the remaining 100 hostages held in the Gaza Strip. This was reported by two senior Israeli officials, noting that key details were agreed upon during a meeting led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, The Jerusalem Post reports.
Main points of the offer
The updated agreement provides for:
- Duration of the ceasefire: Ceasefire in Gaza for 42-60 days.
- Release of hostages: In the first stage, women, men over 50 and those in critical condition are released.
- Prisoner exchange: Israel is ready to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life sentences, in exchange for hostages.
Israeli officials clarified that their initial demands were adjusted due to fears that some hostages might have been killed.
The role of intermediaries
Egypt remains the main channel for negotiations, although Qatar is also actively involved in the process. Egyptian intelligence has submitted an updated proposal to Hamas representatives in Cairo, and Israel is currently awaiting their response.
International support
Israel’s proposal takes into account broader geopolitical changes, including a ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon and preparations for the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump. Trump’s advisers have expressed support for the initiative, stressing the importance of resolving the hostage issue and a ceasefire by 20 January.
Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani confirmed that he was in talks with Trump’s team, stressing the urgency of resolving the conflict.
Next steps
If Hamas accepts the offer, an Israeli delegation will travel to Cairo to agree on details such as the exact number of hostages to be released and the duration of the truce.
Hamas is expected to respond through Egyptian mediators within a few days, which will determine the prospects of this potential agreement to resolve the conflict in Gaza.
