As Israel awaits Hamas’s response to the latest proposal for a hostage release and ceasefire deal in Gaza, former US President Donald Trump is reportedly ready to offer the Palestinian group a direct guarantee of his commitment to ending the ongoing war. The US is putting significant pressure on Israel to finalize a ceasefire agreement, particularly before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to Washington for talks with Trump. The core sticking point revolves around the war’s conclusion; Israel wants to retain the option to resume its offensive, while Hamas insists on a permanent end to the fighting, which began with the October 7, 2023, attack.
Trump’s reported message to Hamas, translated into Hebrew, involves a commitment to continue negotiations on ending the war even after a temporary ceasefire, and that he will use all available resources to secure a permanent ceasefire agreement. This is contingent on Hamas agreeing to the Witkoff framework, which entails the release of ten living hostages in two phases and eighteen bodies in three phases over a 60-day ceasefire. Mediators have provided assurances that both sides will not resume hostilities during the negotiations, although Israel has not explicitly committed to refrain from renewed fighting if talks collapse.
Israel is optimistic about Hamas’s response and anticipates proximity talks could begin soon. Hamas is currently discussing the US-backed proposal with other Palestinian groups and will provide its response to the mediators once the talks are complete. Reports suggest Hamas may give a ‘positive answer’ to the proposal by Friday evening. If a positive response is received, an Israeli negotiation team is prepared to travel to Doha, Qatar, for mediated talks. The key points of discussion would be the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza during the ceasefire.
Netanyahu met with ministers to discuss the terms of a potential deal. The proposed 60-day deal includes five separate releases of hostages and bodies. It is expected that the government and the negotiating team are gearing up for the complex and sensitive task of determining which hostages would be released first if the deal is implemented. The cabinet could decide not to make the decision by itself due to the matter’s sensitivity. Israel has defined all the remaining hostages as ‘humanitarian’ in lists handed to mediators. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has expressed hope that the agreement is finalized but stresses that Hamas’s cooperation is essential. He also emphasized that Hamas has no future in Gaza. The conflict began after Hamas-led terrorists attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people. Palestinian terror groups currently hold 50 hostages, including the bodies of at least 28 people. At least twenty are believed to be alive.
