Sources familiar with the negotiations over a hostage deal told the Saudi channel Al-Sharq that mediators are expected to present a new proposal to both Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas by the end of the week. According to the sources, the proposal has been formulated by Egypt, in consultation and coordination with the US and Qatar. It is said to be the outcome of preliminary contacts and discussions around new ideas aimed at achieving a comprehensive agreement.
The proposed framework reportedly includes a long-term ceasefire of five to seven years, backed by both regional and international guarantees.
According to the sources, once a framework agreement is reached, it would entail a return to the status quo ante, the cessation of all military operations, the withdrawal of the IDF in line with the January agreement—which includes a pullout from the Philadelphi Corridor—and the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza. One source stated that Hamas is expected to announce a five-year commitment to a ceasefire, on the condition that the truce receives guarantees from regional actors and world powers.
As reported, on Wednesday, the Saudi magazine Al-Majalla published a draft of a new negotiation framework aimed at securing a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. The report noted that efforts by the US, Egypt, and Qatar had "paved the way" for a holistic approach intended to both end the war and resolve the hostage crisis.
