The Israeli ceasefire and hostage deal proposal was received by Hamas on Wednesday, Israeli media reported, citing sources in the terror organization.
“We are reviewing the Israeli proposal from the mediators and are expected to submit our response in the coming hours,” the source reportedly said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a situational assessment on hostage negotiations earlier on Wednesday with the negotiation team and security officials, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced in a statement.
Netanyahu “issued directives for the continuation of the steps to advance the release of our hostages,” the statement continued.
Hamas reportedly agreed to release nine hostages
Earlier this week, Hamas agreed to release nine hostages held in Gaza captivity, showing a shift in positions, as the terror group previously stated it would only release a single hostage.
Egypt received an Israeli proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza and a start for negotiations for a permanent ceasefire, state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV cited sources as saying on Monday.
Palestinian and Egyptian sources told Reuters that the latest round of ceasefire and hostage deal talks in Cairo ended with no apparent breakthrough.
Israel attributes the change in Hamas’s stance to the IDF’s operations and continued military pressure, which have led to the capture of approximately 30–40% of Gazan territory.
Summing up the situation in a conversation with The Jerusalem Post, an Israeli official said: “Despite some progress, it is currently very difficult to move forward with a deal.
“Hamas is expected to respond again in the coming days, but if they remain firm on the issue of guarantees, it’s hard to see the agreement happening.”
AMICHAI STEIN and REUTERS contributed to this report.
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