Israeli representatives in the hostage negotiation have recently presented a new proposal for the deal to Egypt. The outline was approved and agreed upon in a meeting held by Prime Minister Netanyahu last Sunday, together with senior ministers and security officials.
According to Barak Ravid's report on Walla, the outline was transferred to Egypt, and they presented it to the Hamas representatives in the negotiations, but they have not yet responded.
Release of all women and men over the age of 50
The details of the proposal put forward by Israel include several principles similar, especially to those already suggested in Israel's previous attempts to reach an agreement. The updated proposal includes an Israeli agreement to a ceasefire of between 40 to 60 days and the release of all surviving kidnapped women and all kidnapped men over the age of 50. Additionally, Israel is also demanding the release of hostages who are in critical medical condition.
According to the report, the point at which Israel is willing to compromise this time is the number of hostages that will be released in this category, following the understanding in Israel that some of the hostages are no longer alive. It should be noted that as part of the framework, Israel proposed to release hundreds of terrorists held in Israeli prisons, including those serving life sentences.
Ahead of Trump's inauguration: Pressure on Hamas is increasing
If Hamas responds positively to the proposal, the Israeli negotiation delegation will immediately head to Cairo to finalize all the details. It should be noted that the pressure on Hamas is increasing due to Trump's threat and his push for the immediate release of hostages. The ceasefire in the north, the increased activity in the northern Gaza Strip, and the death of Sinwar also constitute significant pressure points on the senior members of the terrorist organization who are still alive.
Let us remind you that Defense Minister Israel Katz said this week that the chances of a hostage deal are increasing due to the pressure on Hamas. Minister Katz spoke during his tour of the Air Force base and addressed the issue: "I think that thanks to the intensified activities, in which you play a central role, both the deterrence of Iran and what is happening in Lebanon and all the places – the intensity of the pressure on this monstrous organization called Hamas is increasing, and there is a chance that this time we can really advance a hostage deal, and we are working on this matter and seeing this goal before our eyes."
