A US proposal, reportedly coordinated with Qatar, has been presented to the Hamas, offering the release of a US and Israeli citizen hostage in exchange for a statement from US President Donald Trump. The proposal would see Trump commit to a multi-day ceasefire and the resumption of talks for a comprehensive agreement, according to Axios.
The US has been applying significant pressure on Egypt and Qatar in recent days to persuade the Hamas to release more hostages, according to US and Israeli officials cited by Axios.
Egypt has also presented a proposal for a ceasefire, with a security delegation traveling to Qatar to discuss the plan, which includes the provision of more aid to the Gaza Strip and the release of remaining hostages, as reported by Al Qahera News TV.
Violence in the Gaza Strip has escalated since a ceasefire broke down in January, following a two-month period of relative calm.
A Palestinian official familiar with the mediation efforts and in support of the latest proposal stated that “there are some offers that look better than the previous ones.” When asked if a breakthrough was expected, the official replied, “Maybe not yet.”
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office did not immediately respond to the proposal, but a spokesperson stated that no Israeli delegation is currently in Doha.
Israel is willing to temporarily extend the ceasefire if the Hamas releases more hostages, but has not agreed to a second phase of negotiations that would involve discussing a lasting end to the conflict.
Israel has also stated that it will not accept the presence of the Hamas in the Gaza Strip and will only extend the first phase of the ceasefire, a proposal supported by US Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Prior to the latest developments, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip had protested against the Hamas and the war, while in Israel, thousands gathered in Tel Aviv to protest against the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following the passage of a controversial law that would give the government more influence in the appointment of judges.