The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Thursday that Israel is reviewing a new counterproposal submitted by Hamas regarding a ceasefire and hostage release agreement, even as Israeli air and ground operations continue in the Gaza Strip.
The Palestinian militant group Hamas acknowledged that it has submitted a new offer, though its full contents have not yet been made public. A prior version, submitted Tuesday evening, was reportedly deemed unsuitable by mediators and was not forwarded to Israeli authorities, according to sources close to the negotiations.
According to Reuters, two key issues remain major obstacles to any deal:
The scope and timing of Israeli military withdrawal
The mechanism for humanitarian aid delivery during the ceasefire
The Netanyahu government includes far-right parties staunchly opposed to any deal that does not result in the total destruction of Hamas. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told army radio:
“If I see weakness in the Prime Minister, and if this ends with our surrender instead of Hamas’ complete defeat, I won’t remain in government for a single day.”
Meanwhile, U.S. envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is expected to travel to Italy on Thursday for a meeting with Israel’s Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, where discussions will focus on the ceasefire negotiations.
The current proposal reportedly includes a 60-day truce, during which Hamas would release 10 live hostages and return the remains of 18 others in phases, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
The draft also outlines provisions for:
Increasing humanitarian aid flow
Launching negotiations for a permanent ceasefire
An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, described the new Hamas offer as “workable”, indicating growing international pressure to reach a resolution.
