Israel proposes 2-month cease-fire in exchange for hostages’ return

Israel presents a multi-phase deal with Hamas through Qatari and Egyptian mediators, potentially leading to a two-month pause in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict

In a recent development in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Israel has presented a proposal to Hamas through Qatari and Egyptian mediators. The proposal outlines a multi-phase deal that could potentially lead to a two-month pause in the fighting. Notably, this is the longest ceasefire period that Israel has offered since the conflict’s inception.

The key elements of the proposal include the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza, with the process unfolding in several phases. Currently, over 130 hostages are still in captivity, and Israeli officials have reported the unfortunate deaths of several dozen hostages since Oct 7.

President Biden’s adviser, Brett McGurk, is actively involved in diplomatic efforts, having traveled to Egypt and scheduled further talks in Qatar. The primary objective is to make progress in negotiations aimed at securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Qatari and Egyptian mediators have been working persistently to bridge the gaps between the conflicting parties. U.S. officials suggest that reaching an agreement on the hostage issue might be the only viable path toward a ceasefire in Gaza.

Behind the scenes, the Israeli war cabinet approved the parameters of this new proposal ten days ago. The proposal differs from past rejected deals, leaning more forward in its approach. Israeli officials are cautiously optimistic, awaiting a response from Hamas.

According to the proposal, the deal would unfold in phases, starting with the release of women, men over 60, and hostages in critical medical condition. Subsequent phases would include the release of additional groups, concluding with the return of the bodies of deceased hostages.

The proposed pause in hostilities could last up to two months, during which both Israel and Hamas would pre-agree on the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released for each category of Israeli hostage. Negotiations on the specific names of these prisoners would follow.

As part of the deal, Israel would redeploy its forces, moving some out of the main population centers in Gaza. This would coincide with a gradual return of Palestinian civilians to Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip as the agreement is implemented. However, the proposal explicitly states that Israel will not agree to end the war and will not release all 6,000 Palestinian prisoners from its jails.

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated on Monday that President Biden supports a pause in the fighting to enable the release of hostages and the entry of more humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Israeli officials acknowledge their readiness to release a significant number of Palestinian prisoners if Hamas accepts the offer. However, they caution that if the deal materializes, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operations in Gaza would significantly decrease in scope and intensity after the initial two-month pause in fighting.

Source: Newsroom