A senior Palestinian official told Al-Mayadeen this morning (Monday) that Israel and Hamas are currently reviewing a new framework for a hostage deal, which would include a 60-day ceasefire and the release of ten Israeli hostages in two phases.
According to the report, the proposal was formulated by Palestinian-American businessman Bishara Bahbah—who previously mediated the release of Edan Alexander—and was coordinated with the involvement and approval of special envoy Steve Witkoff. On the Israeli side, however, officials say they are unaware of any progress in the negotiations.
Ten Hostages per Week
According to the report, Hamas is proposing a ceasefire during which five live hostages and five bodies would be returned in two phases: on the first and seventh days of the agreement. The proposal also calls for the daily entry of 1,000 aid trucks, along with clear guarantees from U.S. President Donald Trump, who is reportedly committed to maintaining the ceasefire as long as negotiations continue.
The proposal also includes a commitment by Hamas and other armed factions in Gaza not to pose any threat to Israel’s security, and to halt all activity related to the use, development, or smuggling of weapons. During the ceasefire, indirect negotiations would continue toward a broader agreement, including the formation of a technocratic government, reconstruction of Gaza, and the development of a permanent resolution framework.
American Mediation Efforts
Meanwhile, Sky News Arabia cited additional sources saying that U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce a ceasefire in Gaza within days, as part of a broader deal that includes the release of hostages. According to those sources, the expected U.S. declaration could mark a turning point in the ongoing talks.
Resuming Negotiations
The report adds that Trump and Palestinian-American businessman Bishara Bahbah are preparing to resume indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas as part of a U.S.-led initiative, with American envoy Steve Witkoff playing a central role.
According to the channel, Israel has been asked to hold off on further escalation and allow for expanded humanitarian aid shipments in order to lay the groundwork for renewed talks. Sky News also reported that an Israeli delegation is expected to arrive in Cairo on Monday to discuss restarting negotiations. It is important to note that Israel has not officially confirmed the development.
Five IDF Divisions Operating in Gaza
In parallel, the IDF continues operations across the Gaza Strip as part of Operation “Chariots of Gideon.” Southern Command forces, guided by Military Intelligence and the ISA (Shin Bet), are conducting targeted actions against terror groups throughout the region.
Over the past 48 hours, the Israeli Air Force struck more than 200 targets in Gaza, including militants, weapons depots, sniper and anti-tank positions, tunnel shafts, and other terror infrastructure.
תיעוד מפעילות הכוחות ברצועה | צילום: דובר צה"ל pic.twitter.com/ae1fzAyNBz
— דסק רגע (@deskrega) May 26, 2025
In southern Gaza, IDF troops targeted a Hamas military facility that housed a weapons warehouse, observation post, and command structure. During the operation, several terrorists who posed an immediate threat to Israeli forces were identified and eliminated by drone strikes.
In northern Gaza, a fighter jet struck and destroyed a building used by a member of Hamas’s Nukhba unit.
IDF Operations in the Gaza Strip – Watch:
