Israel is studying Hamas’ response to a proposal that would include a hostage release agreement and a ceasefire in Gaza, according to a statement by Israel’s spy agency Mossad.
“The hostage deal mediators have provided the negotiating team with Hamas’ response to the draft hostage deal. Israel is reviewing the response and will respond to the mediators,” read a statement issued by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on behalf of the Mossad.
The statement did not provide further details.
A source from Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules Gaza, said it had “exchanged some ideas with brother mediators” with the aim of stopping the war, but gave no further details.
Mediators including Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been trying for months to reach a ceasefire agreement and the release of the 120 remaining hostages in Gaza, but their efforts have been blocked.
Hamas says any deal must end the war and lead to Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza. Israel says it will only accept temporary pauses in fighting until Hamas is eradicated.
The war in Gaza began when Hamas gunmen invaded southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli counts. Israel’s retaliatory offensive killed nearly 38,000 people and left the coastal enclave in ruins, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The ceasefire plan on the table, released at the end of May by US President Joe Biden, provides for the gradual release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces in two phases.
It also includes the release of Palestinian prisoners, the reconstruction of Gaza and the return of the bodies of dead hostages in a third phase.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
