Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported Monday morning from Egyptian sources that Hamas "showed flexibility" regarding the Egyptian mediation proposal, which includes a ceasefire lasting between 40 to 70 days, in exchange for releasing at least eight living hostages and eight coffins of deceased hostages.
The Lebanese publication noted that the assessment is that, in return, the mediator will submit a request to release 1,100 Palestinian security prisoners, including some who would be deported to Egypt and other countries.
Moreover, an Egyptian official stated that the agreement currently under negotiation could lead to the release of 11 living hostages and the transfer of 16 coffins of deceased hostages, in the case of a ceasefire lasting 70 days.
According to Egyptian officials, this is supposed to pave the way for calm until after Eid al-Adha (June 9). Additionally, the framework includes opening crossings and delivering large quantities of aid to Gaza daily.
According to Egyptian sources, the Hamas delegation expressed significant responsiveness to the Egyptian proposals. The parties also discussed establishing a management committee for Gaza as part of the Egyptian rehabilitation plan.
Saudi channel Al-Arabiya reported that mediators aim to reach a ceasefire agreement before the end of the current month. Sources said that mediators are in the penultimate stage of drafting the agreement, which includes two stages with defined timetables. According to the report, there is a principle agreement to increase the number of living hostages that Hamas will release.
Newspaper Al-Quds Al-Arabi reported that the Hamas delegation in Cairo requested strong guarantees that Israel would not return to war after the agreement and for a transition to the second phase of the January hostage deal.
