Hamas has conceded to two of Israel's primary conditions for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, Arab mediators told The Wall Street Journal, potentially paving the way for a deal that could see some hostages released within days despite previous failed negotiations.
The terror group informed mediators it would accept Israeli Defense Forces maintaining a temporary presence in Gaza after fighting ends – a significant shift from its earlier stance. Hamas also provided a list of hostages, including American citizens, it would free under a ceasefire agreement, marking the first such disclosure since the initial November 2023 truce.
The new initiative, developed by Egypt with US backing, aims to build on the relative success of the November ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border, which has largely held despite occasional accusations of violations from both Israel and Hezbollah.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Monday there was some movement in ceasefire talks while cautioning it was premature to determine if an agreement was achievable.
The latest proposal, according to mediators who spoke to The Wall Street Journal, envisions a 60-day ceasefire during which up to 30 hostages held in Gaza, including US citizens, would be released. In return, Israel would free Palestinian security prisoners and allow increased humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Diplomatic efforts intensified this week as an Israeli delegation visited Cairo on Tuesday, following recent meetings between Hamas officials and Egyptian leaders. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is scheduled to travel to Israel, Egypt and Qatar this week to advance negotiations, the mediators told The Wall Street Journal.
While previous negotiations repeatedly failed, Hamas has recently shown increased flexibility on crucial issues. Mediators said this includes accepting a temporary IDF presence in the Philadelphi corridor – a narrow strip along Gaza's border with Egypt – and the Netzarim corridor, which bisects the enclave. The terror group has also agreed not to operate or maintain a presence at the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza.
Hamas' shift followed the Lebanon ceasefire agreement involving its ally Hezbollah. That deal left Hamas increasingly isolated in its conflict with Israel, particularly after Israeli strikes significantly damaged its leadership and fighting capacity.
Arab negotiators cautioned that Hamas could still withdraw from the agreement at the last moment, as it has done before.
On Sunday, Hamas presented mediators in Cairo with a list of hostages including US citizens, women, elderly individuals, and those with medical conditions, as well as the remains of five dead hostages, Arab mediators told The Wall Street Journal. The terror group also compiled a list of Palestinian security prisoners in Israeli facilities whose release it seeks as part of the exchange.
Israeli negotiators are currently seeking the release of more hostages during the initial ceasefire phase while agreeing to gradually withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor. Israel has informed negotiators it would reposition forces in other parts of Gaza but rejected restrictions on its presence in other areas, including northern Gaza.
The war was triggered by Hamas' deadly Oct. 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people – mostly civilians who were murdered in their homes and at a music festival – and saw about 250 people taken hostage. According to Israeli officials, 96 hostages remain in Gaza, mostly Israeli citizens, including dual nationals, and at least 30 are no longer alive. Four additional pre-Oct. 7 hostages bring the total to 100.
