The latest proposal conveyed by the mediators, under which Hamas is prepared to release 10 living hostages over a 60-day truce, did not originate with the Americans, although it was relayed through them. Israel Hayom has learned that the US intends to present its own proposal later this week, and in the meantime, American officials are delaying the key IDF maneuver in Gaza.
Earlier today, Israel rejected the most recent proposal. A senior Israeli official familiar with the matter told Israel Hayom, "No responsible government in Israel would agree to such a proposal. It does not indicate a genuine willingness by Hamas to move forward with a deal based on the [US envoy] Steven Witkoff framework."
According to the mediators, Hamas is willing to release 10 living hostages during a 60-day ceasefire - five on the first day and five more two months later. This stands in contrast to the Witkoff framework, which envisions all hostages being released in two stages: one at the start of the truce and the other at its conclusion. Hamas is also demanding a broad withdrawal of Israeli forces from areas captured in the Gaza Strip and the entry of massive amounts of humanitarian aid.
This latest proposal follows reports by Sky News Arabia that intensive efforts are underway to find a solution to the hostage crisis. Egyptian media reported that Israel and Hamas are reviewing a document presented by the Palestinian-American mediator Dr. Bashar al-Khabbab, in coordination with US envoy Steve Witkoff . According to those reports, the document includes negotiations for ending the war during the ceasefire period, as well as a commitment from Hamas not to carry out terrorist attacks or to attempt to smuggle or develop weapons.
