Progress has been made in negotiations between Israel and Hamas following Israel's presentation of a new withdrawal map, according to the Egyptian channel Al-Ghad, which cited its own sources. The report said the development came amid pressure from US envoy Steve Witkoff.
According to the unnamed sources, Israel proposed a new map outlining its withdrawal, which was reportedly accepted by the terrorist organization Hamas. The map includes an Israeli pullback from the Morag security corridor in Gaza.
The sources said the proposed arrangement would see Israeli forces remaining 1,200 meters (approximately 0.75 miles) north of the Philadelphi route, the security corridor that separates the Gaza Strip from Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.
They added that Thursday's negotiations would focus on the central issues of a potential hostage deal, in preparation for Witkoff's anticipated arrival in the region next week. According to the sources, he is expected to announce a hostage and ceasefire deal.
The report should be treated with caution, as should all information relating to these sensitive talks.
Meanwhile, Lebanon's Al-Akhbar newspaper, which is considered close to Hamas, reported on ongoing diplomatic efforts to advance negotiations for a hostage deal. The paper highlighted continued efforts by the US, Qatar and Egypt, while noting that a gap remains between Israel and Hamas on the issue of withdrawal.
