As negotiations continue over the release of hostages held in Gaza, U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has presented a new proposal. The plan calls for the release of all hostages and the removal of Hamas from power in the Gaza Strip. It was introduced during Witkoff’s visit to Doha, where he was accompanied by President Trump, and received support from the Qatari and Egyptian mediators.
“Take it or we walk”
According to reports, Hamas has sent positive signals about the new proposal. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to insist on a partial deal that does not involve halting the fighting. Israeli officials believe that Trump is unlikely to impose any measures on Israel against its will, but in Washington, there is a growing expectation for more flexibility from Jerusalem.
Witkoff, still in Doha, has spoken several times with Netanyahu and warned that if Israel does not agree to the new framework, the U.S. might withdraw from the talks. A senior Israeli official told Channel 12 News: “The Americans are in a ‘take it or we’re out’ position. They’re determined, and anyone who doesn’t cooperate risks missing out.”
The New Framework
Behind closed doors, it has emerged that Witkoff’s revised plan includes the release of all hostages, the establishment of an international oversight mechanism in Gaza, and the removal of Hamas from power. In exchange, Israel would agree to a long-term ceasefire and allow for civilian reconstruction in the Strip, funded by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The Prime Minister’s Office responded by stating: “Israel remains committed to the original Witkoff plan, which has American backing and is the only one currently on the table.” A senior cabinet member added, “The war will not end until all hostages are returned and Hamas is defeated.”
Progress or Stalemate?
Meanwhile, Hamas insists that it will not agree to any deal that does not include clear guarantees for ending the war. Israeli sources claim the group is stalling in order to learn the fate of its leader, Mohammed Sinwar, who may have been killed in an Israeli airstrike.
Families of the hostages, currently in Doha, met yesterday with Witkoff and the Qatari mediators. They were told that the release of Edan Alexander has created positive momentum for the negotiations. The central question now is whether Trump will pressure Netanyahu to end the war, or settle for the achievement of Alexander’s release.
Israel vs. the Americans
The mood in Jerusalem is that the U.S. is trying to use the momentum to advance broader diplomatic goals, such as expanding the Abraham Accords and rebuilding Gaza. The assessment is that Trump does not intend to wait for further decisions from Israel and will move forward, even if it means making unilateral decisions with Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Israel, for its part, is under pressure from cabinet members demanding the continuation of the military operation in Gaza—especially following the possible elimination of Sinwar. “If no deal is reached soon, we will need to proceed with Operation Gideon’s Chariots and defeat Hamas militarily,” said a senior security source.
