The War Cabinet gathered Friday to discuss Hamas' new proposal for a ceasefire-hostage deal.
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On Thursday, the terror organization gave its response to the proposal after weeks of anticipation. Hamas said in a statement that it gave Egyptian and Qatari mediators a comprehensive proposal for a hostage deal that includes a ceasefire, release of Palestinian prisoners, delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, return of displaced Palestinians to their homes, and a withdrawal of Israeli forces from the strip.
Video: Israelis welcome news of freed hostages, call to release the rest in captivity / Credit: Reuters
A senior Israeli official told Axios that "Hamas' response was relatively positive and included for the first time the number of prisoners that Hamas demands to be released" for each category of hostages who are to be freed during the first phase of the deal.
According to the source, the number is still too high, but "there is something to work with."
A deadline for the IDF withdrawal from Gaza would be agreed upon after the first stage, the Hamas proposal said.
Additionally, according to the senior Israeli officials cited by Axios, Israel received indications from the Qatari and Egyptian mediators of hints of a shift among Hamas' leadership that may lead to progress in the high-stake negotiations.
Meanwhile, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has labeled the new demands "unrealistic."
The Prime Minister's Office this evening:
Hamas is continuing to hold to unrealistic demands.
An update on the issue will be submitted to the War Cabinet and the Security Cabinet tomorrow.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) March 15, 2024
The Hostages Families Forum headquarters released a statement, urging the War Cabinet not to postpone the deal. "For the first time, we can envision embracing them again, please grant us this right," the statement said.
Qatar and Egypt have reportedly significantly increased their pressure on Hamas, including threats from Doha to expel senior Hamas officials and freeze Hamas bank accounts.
This article was first published by i24NEWS
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