Fresh Gaza Truce Proposal Discussed as Hostage Crisis Continues.
A new Israeli proposal for a Gaza truce and hostage release deal is being evaluated by Hamas as mediation efforts intensify. US Secretary of State Blinken urged Hamas to accept the “extraordinarily generous” plan discussed with Egyptian and Qatari facilitators.
Involving a 40-day ceasefire and displaced families returning to northern Gaza, it also widened the scope for future calm implementation – a key Hamas demand.
Sources said the Hamas delegation left Cairo positively but will submit a written response. Israel, too, showed flexibility, ready to alter the initial 40 prisoners’ number.
Over 1,200 Palestinian deaths were reported during Israel’s 2014 operation against Hamas’ border attack. The ongoing crisis has seen over 34,000 Gazan lives lost since.
A previous deal saw 105 hostages freed for a week-long lull, but 133 remain captive, 30 presumed dead. Israel faces growing international pressure to secure an agreement.
While Hamas only stated it is studying the latest proposal closely, officials said no major issues have been identified so far.
As mediators persist in their efforts, a resolution remains contingent on both sides displaying the political will to end the long-standing hostage situation and restore peace.
