The new proposal from US envoy Steve Witkoff has yet to be published in full, but details obtained by Israel Hayom indicate that it includes only minor changes compared to the previous framework presented two weeks ago, which Israel accepted and Hamas rejected while demanding revisions. Hamas has not yet responded to the new proposal either.
According to the details, half of the living hostages would be released in two stages, one immediately and the other a week later. At the same time, the bodies of half of the fallen hostages, approximately 17, would also be returned.
In exchange, Israel would release hundreds of security prisoners based on the formulas used in previous deals. The cease-fire would be extended from the original 45 days to two months.
Another change is the wording of the negotiation framework during the cease-fire period, aimed at ending the war. While the new proposal does not make this a precondition, it includes a serious Israeli commitment to strive toward ending the war and an American commitment as well, including a statement from Trump himself, emphasizing the seriousness of the talks and Washington's deep involvement.
Reportedly, there is no absolute requirement for a full withdrawal to pre-March frontlines. Instead, the proposal contains a general statement that IDF withdrawal stages will also be negotiated. This clause may offer an off-ramp to Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, both of whom have publicly opposed a deal.
Another significant point: The new proposal stipulates that Hamas would completely cease all hostilities, with vaguely worded language suggesting that after the war, security control in the Gaza Strip would be transferred exclusively to another entity. In other words, Hamas armed units are not expected to remain in the Strip. There is no reference to the exile of senior Hamas figures.
On the humanitarian front, the proposal calls for continued supply deliveries into the Gaza Strip, but without halting the flow through new IDF-controlled distribution centers. This is a crucial point, as these centers are a key factor in reducing Hamas' leverage and control over the civilian population. Recent events have illustrated this shift.
As noted, Hamas has yet to reply to the offer. However, if it does accept, it would clearly signal flexibility. Israeli officials believe that such flexibility would primarily be a result of ongoing military pressure, although currently at a lower intensity, and the opening of IDF-controlled supply hubs. Another factor is the near-total elimination of the terrorist organization's military leadership in Gaza, which had previously opposed making concessions. The group's dire military condition is also evident in the limited resistance to the (slow) IDF advances in the northern and southern parts of the Strip. According to various reports, Hamas is struggling to maintain a functioning military hierarchy, pay its operatives, or supply them with resources.
Still, Israeli intelligence assessments suggest that Hamas retains command centers in the tunnel network, along with fighting units, military equipment, and a significant stockpile of supplies that could support continued combat for several more weeks. For now, however, Hamas appears to be avoiding direct confrontations with Israeli troops.
Israeli decision-makers are also deliberating. On one hand, the new proposal does not differ greatly from the previous one that Israel approved. On the other hand, the past two weeks have brought key developments and several successes, from the elimination of Muhammad Sinwar to the IDF's progress on the ground and the opening of the aid centers. On Thursday, a third aid distribution center opened in central Gaza near the Netzarim corridor.
