Egypt recently proposed an interim solution for a limited ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which includes the release of one hostage per day by Hamas, according to a report today (Sunday) in the Lebanese newspaper "Al-Akhbar."
It was also reported in Israel today that the Egyptian proposal, which is unofficial at this stage, is intended to bridge the gaps in the ongoing negotiations with Israel and the United States. However, the Egyptians express doubts about the ability to implement the American proposal that was raised simultaneously, which could prolong the fighting.
The Egyptians see this as a step that can be implemented in the short term, while talks about a comprehensive ceasefire are encountering significant difficulties. Egyptian sources explained that this is a "possible compromise" aimed at addressing the military challenges on the ground and the international pressure to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Last Friday, another proposal for a hostage deal was reported. According to the framework discussed in the negotiations, a ceasefire will be declared for a period of 42 days as part of the interim arrangement in the Gaza Strip. During the ceasefire, Israel will release terrorists. In the subsequent stage – if and when the arrangement matures – Hamas will release a number of Israeli hostages in return. The living hostages who will be released within 42 days are humanitarian.
Meanwhile, a senior security official said that according to estimates in Israel, Hamas is ready to go for a deal. According to assessments in the higher echelons of the security establishment and the political echelon, it has been concluded that based on the indicative signs, the terrorist organization Hamas will be willing to go for a hostage release deal.
According to the same senior official who provided the information, there is now an understanding that a ceasefire agreement can be reached that will include the release of hostages.
In his remarks, the security official explained that negotiations and discussions are currently taking place on both sides, with the dialogue focusing on the lists of prisoners that Israel would agree to release and their number. It has not yet been agreed upon how many hostages will be released, but on the Israeli side, they are maximizing the pressure to bring back as many living hostages as possible at once.