After the proposals that have been put forward and withdrawn regarding the hostage deal, the Qatari mediators are offering a new proposal this evening (Tuesday): a month-long ceasefire in the Gaza Strip without ending the war, in exchange for 11 hostages, mainly women, as reported by Yaron Avraham.
The Qatari mediators are expected to meet with Hamas leaders in Doha and offer them various proposals for a deal on the table, in order to understand whether the terrorist organization is willing to return to negotiations for a "small deal."
Mossad chief David Barnea proposed a framework in which 11-14 hostages, including women and the elderly, would be released in exchange for a 30-day ceasefire. According to the Egyptians' proposal, four hostages will be released in exchange for a 14-day ceasefire. Both proposals also include the release of Palestinian prisoners. Sources familiar with the details believe that Israel will need to be more generous regarding the keys to the release of prisoners, since no IDF withdrawals have been offered to Hamas.
Earlier, signs of a breakdown were identified within the terrorist organization. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri addressed the discussions surrounding the negotiations for a deal this evening (Tuesday) and stated: "We responded to the mediators' request to discuss new proposals for a ceasefire agreement." We are open to any proposal to stop the aggression in the Gaza Strip and any agreement that will put an end to the suffering of our people and bring a final ceasefire.
Last night, the Prime Minister addressed the Egyptian proposal and noted that Israel did not accept Egypt's offer to release four hostages in exchange for a 48-hour ceasefire: "If such an offer had been made, the Prime Minister would have accepted it on the spot."
Earlier this week, Mossad chief David Barnea returned from Doha after meeting with the head of the CIA and the Prime Minister of Qatar. In the meeting, the parties discussed a new unified framework that combines previous proposals and also takes into account the key issues and recent developments in the region. In the coming days, discussions between the mediators and Hamas will continue in the Prime Minister's Office to examine the feasibility of talks and the ongoing effort to advance a deal.
