A US envoy is currently on a diplomatic mission to Egypt and Qatar in an effort to negotiate a deal for the release of captives held by Hamas and other groups in Gaza. The pressure is mounting on Israel to bring these captives home, and it is reported that the country has prepared a proposal for a two-month truce that aims to secure their release. However, this proposal does not include an end to the war in Gaza.
Late on Monday, both US and Israeli press reported that Israel is optimistic about concluding a deal with the assistance of the United States. According to Israeli officials, the proposal has been presented to Hamas through Qatari and Egyptian mediators. It outlines a two-month truce during which all Israeli detainees in Gaza will be released. Israel’s Channel 13 further adds that the deal consists of three to four stages of captive release, with the Israeli military withdrawing from certain areas of the enclave.
It is believed that the US is actively pushing for this plan with its regional partners. Brett McGurk, the White House’s Middle East coordinator, is currently in Cairo to discuss the deal and is expected to continue discussions in Qatar.
Stefanie Dekker, reporting from occupied East Jerusalem, reveals that the proposal includes a phased release plan. The first phase would involve the release of women and individuals over the age of 60. The second phase would include female soldiers and men who are considered non-soldiers by Hamas. Finally, the third phase would focus on the release of male soldiers and the retrieval of bodies still within Gaza. Additionally, Israeli soldiers may be redeployed from certain urban areas to facilitate the return of Palestinians to their homes.
While the families of the captives have been increasing pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a deal, they fear that time is running out for their loved ones’ safe return. In a dramatic act of protest, dozens of relatives stormed a parliamentary committee meeting demanding government action.
Since a brief truce in November resulted in the release of approximately 100 captives, subsequent efforts to establish another ceasefire have faced obstacles. Israel’s refusal to scale back its offensive has led to mounting impatience, including criticism from the European Union. Despite international pressure, Netanyahu remains determined to continue the offensive until Hamas is defeated, driven by political considerations and demands from hardline coalition partners.
The reports of truce negotiations come amidst escalating violence in southern Gaza, with a significant increase in civilian casualties. The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that its headquarters in Khan Younis was shelled, resulting in injuries to internally displaced individuals seeking refuge on their premises. UN agencies and aid groups have raised concerns about the growing threat of disease and famine in Gaza, where an estimated 1.7 million people have been displaced from their homes.
Given the urgent need to halt the fighting, the pressure from families and recent troop losses could potentially give added momentum to efforts aimed at de-escalating the conflict. On Tuesday, the Israeli military confirmed the loss of at least 21 soldiers in one of the deadliest attacks since the war began three months ago.
