According to a report this morning (Thursday) on N12, United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, has presented Israel and Hamas with a new outline for the release of hostages held by Hamas in return for Israeli concessions: the proposal includes the release of nine live hostages and 18 fallen in two phases over the course of a week, in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of imprisoned terrorists, during which negotiations would take place for ending the fighting altogether, .
If no agreement is reached at the end of said negotiations, Israel would be free to resume fighting or to continue negotiations for the further release of hostages.
Witkoff also offered that humanitarian aid currently distributed by an American company to prevent Hamas takeover would revert to being under the responsibility of the UN, and the IDF would withdraw from all areas captured since the launch of Operation “Oz veHerev” (Strength and Sword). The new outline Witkoff proposed also includes the release of one less live hostage than the previous proposal.
Preliminary Agreement
Yesterday, Hamas issued a statement claiming to have reached a preliminary agreement with Witkoff on a framework that includes, among other things, IDF withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the establishment of a civilian administrative committee in the Strip. In return, Hamas would release ten hostages and several Israeli bodies in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas asserted that the understandings were reached under the guarantee of mediators.
“Psychological Propaganda”
Israel, however, rejected the statement outright. A political source said: “Hamas continues with its propaganda and psychological warfare. As the American president’s special envoy said two days ago — Israel agreed to the outline he proposed, but it is Hamas that insists on its refusal.” According to the source, the latest proposal sent by Hamas is unacceptable to both Israel and the Trump administration.
Officials in Jerusalem clarified that Israel is committed to any proposal that would lead to the return of the hostages, but only subject to the full preservation of its national security. Political sources added that Hamas’ statement does not represent real progress, and that the demands being made in Gaza do not meet the minimum conditions of Israel and the Americans.
