Hamas is contemplating a fresh framework presented by Egypt, which proposes the release of up to 33 hostages abducted from Israel in exchange for a halt in hostilities in Gaza, as per an Israeli insider familiar with the talks and a foreign diplomatic source who spoke to CNN.
The new plan, co-developed by Israel but not yet fully endorsed by it, unfolds in two phases. Initially, 20 to 33 hostages would be released gradually over several weeks in return for the cessation of violence and the liberation of Palestinian detainees. Subsequently, the second phase, described by sources as the "establishment of enduring tranquility," would involve the exchange of the remaining hostages, Israeli soldiers held captive, and the bodies of captives for additional Palestinian prisoners.
A diplomatic source acquainted with the negotiations clarified that the mention of "enduring tranquility" was essentially a tactic to secure a permanent ceasefire without explicitly terming it so.
If both parties agree after months of stalemate, it could mark a significant stride towards ending the conflict. However, failure to reach an agreement might prompt Israel to intensify its presence in Gaza — absent a deal, Israel is likely to initiate a large-scale ground incursion into Rafah, a southern Gaza city where over a million Palestinians seek refuge. Israel's allies, including the United States, have cautioned against such a move due to the potential for substantial civilian casualties.
Hamas is anticipated to provide a response after meeting with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo on Monday, according to the sources. Additionally, a delegation comprising Mossad, Shin Bet, and Israeli military officials is scheduled to journey to Cairo on Tuesday, as per the Israeli source and another Israeli official.
The proposed plan, developed in collaboration with Israel but not yet fully embraced by it, unfolds in two stages. Initially, 20 to 33 hostages would be gradually released over several weeks in exchange for the ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners. Subsequently, the second phase, described by sources as the "establishment of enduring tranquility," would involve the exchange of the remaining hostages, captive Israeli soldiers, and hostages' remains for more Palestinian detainees.
A response from Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader in Gaza, is anticipated within days — possibly within the next 24 hours.
The duration of the initial ceasefire phase would be tied to the number of hostages released, with the current framework suggesting a one-day pause for each hostage, the Israeli source disclosed, although this figure may shift during more detailed negotiations.
Previously, the basis of negotiations had been the release of 40 hostages in exchange for a six-week ceasefire. However, Israel has agreed to accept fewer hostages in the initial phase after Hamas reduced its offer to less than 20 individuals earlier this month.
‘Extraordinarily generous’ proposal
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, also addressing the gathering in Riyadh, expressed optimism regarding the acceptance of the proposal by Israel and Hamas.
“There exists a proposition on the table, and it's up to both sides to weigh and agree upon it. However, our aim is unequivocally a ceasefire — a lasting one — coupled with addressing the humanitarian situation,” Shoukry stated during a WEF panel session in Riyadh on Monday.
He expressed hope that "the proposal has been duly considered" and emphasized that "we anticipate a final verdict."
Israeli authorities have signaled a willingness to engage in discussions aimed at achieving what they term the "establishment of enduring tranquility" as part of an encompassing arrangement intended to bring the conflict to a conclusive end.
According to an Israeli insider familiar with the talks, Egypt has tabled a suggestion for the parties to endorse a twelve-month ceasefire within the framework of a comprehensive agreement, which would entail the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of all remaining hostages as well as the repatriation of deceased individuals' remains.
CNN has sought comment from the Egyptian government regarding this matter.
Hamas has maintained its stance that a permanent ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza must constitute integral components of any prospective accord. Israel, however, has remained steadfast in its assertion that its military campaign in Gaza will persist until Hamas is eliminated.
Furthermore, Israeli authorities have reportedly acceded to Hamas's longstanding demand for unrestricted movement of Palestinians to the northern region of Gaza, a development seen as pivotal by Hamas and one that had previously impeded progress in negotiations.
Rafah operation
Looming over the negotiations is the escalating likelihood of an Israeli military incursion into Rafah, a scenario Israeli officials have hinted at for months but are presently withholding, citing a desire to allow space for diplomatic efforts.
However, Israeli sources have portrayed the latest Egyptian initiative to broker an agreement as the final opportunity to prevent such an offensive.
“The only prospect to halt Rafah is through an agreement,” asserted the Israeli insider familiar with the talks.
The US and other allies of Israel have cautioned that any operation must not proceed without adequate measures to safeguard civilian lives.
“Preparations for potential entry into Rafah are ongoing. Regardless of any agreement, Israel will not deviate from the objectives of the conflict,” remarked the Israeli official.
Blinken restated in Riyadh that the US would not endorse a significant military action in Rafah "unless there is a plan in place to ensure the protection of civilians."
“We have yet to see a viable plan that guarantees the safety of civilians,” he remarked.
John Kirby, a communications adviser for the White House National Security Council, disclosed on Sunday that Israel has assured its US counterparts that it will refrain from launching an incursion into Rafah until the Biden administration can articulate its concerns.
“We need a clearer understanding from the Israeli side regarding their intentions. We've had several preliminary discussions with them, and we plan to engage in more. They have committed not to proceed into Rafah until we have had the opportunity to fully convey our perspectives and concerns,” he remarked during an appearance on ABC.
During a Sunday call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden emphasized the necessity for heightened humanitarian aid and reiterated his firm stance on a potential Israeli intervention in Rafah, as per a White House statement detailing the conversation.
Rising death toll
The casualty count from Israel’s bombardment in Gaza surged throughout the weekend.
Reports indicate that twenty individuals, including at least one infant and a toddler, lost their lives in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike over Rafah, Gaza, which occurred overnight into Monday, as confirmed by hospital authorities.
Meanwhile, in Gaza City, seven Palestinians perished and dozens sustained injuries in two distinct Israeli airstrikes overnight, according to Mahmmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza Civil Defense, in an interview with CNN. One airstrike targeted a two-story residence owned by the Tartouri family in the port vicinity west of Gaza City, resulting in the death of five Palestinians and multiple injuries, Basal reported.
In another incident, two individuals were killed and several others wounded when an Israeli airstrike struck a residence belonging to the Hijazi family in the Sabra neighborhood located in the central part of Gaza City, Basal added.
