Israel continues to await Hamas' response to the latest ceasefire proposal despite reports suggesting both sides had reached an agreement, with diplomatic sources revealing significant differences between the original framework and the current offer that may complicate comprehensive hostage negotiations.
The ongoing hostage release negotiations reveal the considerable distance still separating the parties from a comprehensive agreement. United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff's latest proposal serves merely as a broad framework, and even if Hamas were to accept it, which hasn't happened yet, intensive negotiations over critical details would follow, with many core issues still unresolved.
Under the proposed terms, 10 living hostages and 17 deceased hostages would be freed during a 60-day ceasefire period. The original framework had promised the release of all hostages, coupled with complete IDF withdrawal and an end to the war. Diplomatic sources maintain that even Witkoff's initial framework contained no absolute guarantee for freeing the remaining ten hostages once the temporary ceasefire concluded. They argue that both frameworks made the release of remaining captives contingent upon securing a permanent ceasefire agreement.
Diplomatic-Security Cabinet members dispute this characterization, insisting the earlier framework was presented to them as a comprehensive deal encompassing all hostages. Nevertheless, the current framework does contain provisions for continued negotiations aimed at ending the war and securing the return of all remaining hostages during the ceasefire period.
BBC reported earlier today, citing a Hamas source, that the organization will likely reject the ceasefire and hostage release proposal in its current form. This development came after the White House announced Tuesday evening that Israel had accepted the framework. The Hamas official stated that the proposal fails to address the terror organization's primary demands, though he indicated Hamas would provide its response "at the appropriate time."
During yesterday's White House press conference, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Israeli acceptance of the proposal. Leavitt stated, "I can also confirm that those discussions are continuing, and we hope that a ceasefire in Gaza will take place so we can return all of the hostages home."
