Israel has agreed in principle to a three-month ceasefire in Gaza, following intense diplomatic pressure from the United States, according to senior political correspondent Tamir Morag. The proposed deal would include a phased release of hostages, though it requires a key American assurance that military operations can resume after the ceasefire period.
The tentative agreement spans approximately 80-90 days but notably does not commit to ending the conflict permanently. However, the deal faces a significant hurdle: Hamas leadership in Gaza has yet to respond to the proposal. Until now, responses from Gaza's Hamas leadership regarding proposed frameworks have been consistently negative.
Steve Witkoff, representing the US administration, continues diplomatic efforts to secure Israeli commitment to the framework, even as Hamas's response remains pending. Previous proposals have consistently met with rejection from Gaza-based Hamas leaders.
The situation is further complicated by an apparent communication gap between Hamas officials in Doha, Qatar, who are directly involved in negotiations, and the organization's military leadership in Gaza, who hold final decision-making authority, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Two key figures have emerged as critical decision-makers in Gaza: Iz ad-Din al-Hadad, who commands forces in Gaza City's northern sector, and Mohammed Sinwar, a senior military leader and brother of Yahya Sinwar, who was recently eliminated in military operations.
"While this disconnect could potentially derail the agreement," notes Morag, "increasing military pressure on Hamas, particularly the threat of an IDF operation in Gaza City, combined with the upcoming political transition in Washington, might push Gaza's leadership toward accepting the deal."
The proposed framework reportedly includes provisions for a full military withdrawal and allows hundreds of aid trucks to enter Gaza daily, though specific details remain under negotiation. These terms are part of the "final" draft now awaiting approval.
Channel 14 contributed to this article.
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