A new deal could be reached to free more than 30 hostages held by Hamas.
Israel proposes suspending fighting in Gaza for at least one week under a new agreement to force Hamas to release more than 30 hostages held by the terrorist group.
This is reported by Axios, citing two Israeli officials and another source familiar with the situation.
The offer, made through Qatari intermediaries, is the first from Israel since the deal collapsed last month. The agreement called for a seven-day ceasefire and the release of more than 100 hostages.
Israeli officials say the proposal shows the state intends to resume serious negotiations for the release of more hostages. despite Hamas' statements about its reluctance to resume negotiations while fighting continues.
Today about 130 citizens of Israel and other countries remain hostages of Hamas militants in Gaza.
CIA Director Bill Burns met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Mossad Chief David Barnea on December 18 to discuss a potential agreement to free the hostages. According to the publication, Barnea presented an Israeli proposal to resume negotiations on a new agreement in order to ensure the release of a group of approximately 40 hostages.
The group will include women, men over 60 years of age, and other hostages who are sick or seriously injured and in need of urgent medical attention.
In its proposal, Israel said it would agree to a temporary ceasefire for at least one week, Israeli officials say.
Read the main news of the day:
Israel also suggested it might release Palestinian prisoners convicted of more serious attacks on the country than those released under the previous agreement. Officials say there are dozens of elderly or sick Palestinian prisoners who could be released.
According to sources, the Qatari prime minister has conveyed to Israel the position of Hamas, demanding an end to the attacks even before any hostage negotiations can begin. Barnea responded that if Hamas wants an end to the war, then must lay down its arms and hand over its leaders responsible for the October 7 attack in Gaza.
A source with direct knowledge of the negotiations said Qatar is trying to restart negotiations, but indicated that Israel's demands on Hamas and what it demands to end the war complicate the situation.
Recall that the day before, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that the operation against Hamas will continue until “all goals are fully achieved.”
Read also:
Related topics:
More news
