Senior Hamas sources stated that the terrorist organization informed mediators it is willing to accept any proposal that includes the release of hostages, provided that it ensures a transition to the second phase of the deal. This was reported Thursday morning by the Qatari newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed. Meanwhile, Egyptian sources said an Israeli delegation made a brief visit to Cairo on Wednesday evening.
Additionally, a Hamas source told the Saudi channel Asharq that intensive negotiations are underway with mediators to overcome the current crisis and achieve a ceasefire.
The source noted that Hamas is currently reviewing a proposal put forth by mediators for a ceasefire and the renewal of the agreement. He added that the organization is willing to discuss any proposal but wants "guarantees for a transition to the second phase, which addresses a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire, full withdrawal, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid."
Hamas sources claimed that it has not outright rejected US envoy Steve Witkoff's proposal, but has agreed to it only on the condition that it includes an immediate transition to the second phase of the hostage deal, which entails ending the war.
The proposal: live hostages and remains of the deceased
Sources indicated that discussions are ongoing regarding the proposal currently on the negotiation table. According to these sources, a Hamas delegation is expected to arrive in Cairo on Thursday to meet with Egyptian officials and discuss developments.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Egypt submitted a proposal bridging Witkoff's framework with Hamas' response from Friday. According to the Qatari newspaper, the proposal includes the release of several live hostages along with the remains of deceased captives. However, senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan claimed that no official Egyptian proposal had been submitted.
Egyptian sources reported that the Israeli delegation's visit lasted no more than three hours. During the visit, the delegation met with Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad and a senior military official. The sources noted that the visit followed the withdrawal of an Egyptian security team belonging to an American security firm from the Netzarim corridor after a wave of Israeli strikes.
According to the report, the Israeli military delegation discussed the steps the IDF took this week, including increasing troop presence along the Philadelphi Corridor and deploying forces near the Egyptian border. The sources did not specify how Egypt responded to these actions.
