A new proposal for a ceasefire and hostage exchange presented by American, Egyptian, and Qatari officials was floated to their Israeli counterparts on Friday in Paris.
The proposal suggested that Israel release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 40 from Hamas, plus a six-week ceasefire. The Hamas-held hostages include both civilian and military women, men over 50, and Israelis in serious medical condition.
Neither side has agreed to the terms so far, but U.S. officials note that some progress has been made. However, they claim the completion of a deal is still a ways off.
“We are working to get another framework for the release of our hostages, as well as the completion of the elimination of the Hamas battalions in Rafah,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement obtained by Axios on Saturday. “Only a combination of military pressure and tough negotiations will lead to the release of our hostages, the elimination of Hamas and the achievement of all the war’s objectives.”
The proposal would also allow some Palestinians to start returning to the northern part of the Gaza Strip, but details on how many people can return and where will be determined in a later phase of the negotiations.
The Biden administration is hoping a ceasefire deal will be reached by the start of Ramadan in two weeks. Officials also hope to begin the next part of negotiations over the next few days.
The proposal comes on the same day Netanyahu unveiled his own plan for a post-war Gaza, in which Israel keeps control of the Gaza Strip and West Bank but would allow civilian life in those territories to be controlled by Palestinians not connected to Hamas. But it does not allow for a Palestinian state, which has been the aim of some Israeli allies, including the United States.
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Netanyahu’s proposal also included a demand for the dismantling of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, which oversees humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and an overhaul of the Palestinian education and welfare systems.
Israel and Hamas have been at war since the terrorist organization’s attack on the Jewish state on Oct. 7, 2023. The death toll is nearing 30,000 people, according to Palestinian officials.
