JERUSALEM/CAIRO. Israel is considering Hamas’ response to a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and the release of half of the remaining hostages, Israeli officials said on Tuesday, as diplomatic efforts gained traction amid plans for a new offensive in Gaza City.
The proposal, brokered by Egypt and Qatar with U.S. backing, includes the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, along with an unspecified number of women and minors, in exchange for 10 living and 18 deceased hostages. Hamas has also requested the release of hundreds of other detainees from Gaza, according to officials familiar with the talks.
Israel says 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 still alive. An Israeli political source stressed that the government’s policy remains unchanged. “Israel demands the release of all 50 hostages by the principles established by the cabinet for ending the war. We are in the final decisive stage of Hamas and will not leave any hostages behind,” the source said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene discussions on the proposal, with a formal response anticipated in the coming days, a Palestinian source close to the talks said. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Majed Al Ansari noted that the truce would include “a pathway to a comprehensive agreement to end the war.”
The plan also calls for a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, who currently control 75 percent of Gaza, and increased entry of humanitarian aid for the enclave’s 2.2 million residents, many of whom face famine.
Negotiations over a similar U.S.-brokered outline collapsed in late July. While political leaders in Israel weigh the proposal, Defence Minister Israel Katz met military commanders on Tuesday to review plans for a potential ground operation in Gaza City, according to state broadcaster Kan. The plan involves four stages: establishing humanitarian infrastructure in southern Gaza, evacuating Gaza City, encircling it, and advancing with ground forces.
Tens of thousands of Palestinians have fled Gaza City in recent days amid fears of an imminent assault. Gaza health officials reported at least 20 Palestinians killed Tuesday by Israeli airstrikes, tank fire, and gunfire.
At a shelter in Khan Younis, displaced Palestinians expressed uncertainty about the outcome of negotiations. “I expect the same as before, that the occupation will be obstinate and reject the proposal,” said Abdallah Al-Khawaja. But others, like Awad Labde, hoped for a breakthrough. “As a bereaved and displaced member of the Palestinian people, I expect a positive response from Israel,” he said.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
