New details emerged Friday regarding Trump's proposal on the hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. According to a source familiar with the plan, which was shared earlier this week with Arab leaders, all hostages would be released within two days of a deal, while Israeli forces would begin a staged pullout from Gaza. The proposal is expected to be passed through Qatari mediators Hamas' remaining negotiating team in Doha.
Trump expressed optimism about resolving the conflict, saying the negotiating sides were "very close" to an agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, vowed Friday to continue the war until Hamas is destroyed.
Arab leaders have signaled general support for the initiative, though they do not view it as perfect. "They want to see the conflict end as quickly as possible," the source said.
Details of the proposal
Among the new elements in the plan: no timetable for the Israeli withdrawal, a clear commitment that Israel will not attack Qatar again, a ban on forced displacement from Gaza, and a call for Hamas not to play any role in Gaza's future administration.
The plan also outlines two levels of interim governance: a broad international body and a Palestinian committee. The proposal does not set a timetable for transferring authority to the Palestinian Authority through the temporary government.
The United Nations is mentioned in connection with humanitarian aid but the plan does not reference the Gaza Humanitarian Fund. Nor does it state that the US will support a Palestinian state, only noting that it is a Palestinian aspiration.
Earlier this week, a senior Trump administration official revealed that Hamas had requested a 60-day ceasefire. Egypt, while supportive of Trump's plan, has said it does not place much faith in the American response to Hamas' message at this stage.
At the same time, Egyptian-mediated talks are still considering the possibility of halting Israel's operation in Gaza City and allowing in additional humanitarian supplies.
However, a senior Egyptian official said these efforts are "almost pointless," partly because the US "ignores the violations." The official added that there may be some improvement in the flow of aid into Gaza to reduce international criticism.
