Washington [US], July 4: Israel is awaiting a formal response from Hamas on a US-backed proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release deal, as reports suggest former US President Donald Trump is offering direct guarantees to help end the ongoing Gaza conflict. According to The Times of Israel, the US is pushing hard for a breakthrough ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to Washington next week.
The proposed deal, known as the Witkoff framework, includes the phased release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies over a 60-day temporary ceasefire. Trump is reportedly offering assurances to Hamas that the US will support ongoing negotiations to reach a permanent ceasefire even after the temporary truce begins.
A Hebrew translation shared by Channel 12 claims Trump will state: “I will commit that negotiations over the terms for ending the war will continue even after a temporary ceasefire, and that I will do everything in my power to help the parties reach an agreement on the terms of a permanent ceasefire.”
Key Terms of the Proposed Ceasefire Deal:
- Five hostage exchange phases over 60 days.
- Initial releases: 8 living hostages on day one, followed by five bodies on day seven.
- Remaining releases: five more bodies on day 30, two living hostages on day 50, and eight bodies on the final day.
- Total hostages still held: 50, with at least 20 believed alive.
Israel has reportedly not committed to ending the war permanently, but will refrain from resuming military action as long as peace talks are active. Hamas is demanding that any agreement ensures a full end to hostilities.
The Israeli cabinet is expected to vote on the deal Saturday night, before Netanyahu departs for Washington. There are expectations that a ceasefire could begin during his US visit, depending on Hamas’s response.
Hamas confirmed Friday it is in discussions with other Palestinian factions and will soon submit a formal reply to mediators. Reports from Hamas-affiliated outlets suggest the response may be favorable.
Potential Next Steps:
- If Hamas agrees, proximity talks between Israel and Hamas are expected to begin in Doha, Qatar.
- Israeli negotiation team is on standby to finalize unresolved issues, such as troop withdrawal during the truce.
- Release order of hostages will be decided based on medical condition and humanitarian priorities, possibly by the negotiation team rather than the cabinet.
Political Reactions:
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee expressed hope that the deal is near completion, saying, “Let’s hope they understand it’s time for this to end… Hamas has no future in Gaza.”
The hostage crisis stems from the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led assault on southern Israel that killed 1,200 civilians and abducted dozens. Among the 50 hostages held in Gaza, the IDF confirms at least 28 are deceased. The remaining are either confirmed alive or listed with grave health concerns.
The deal also includes Palestinian prisoner releases and an increase in humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.