Hamas announced Wednesday it reached a preliminary agreement with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on a Gaza ceasefire framework, marking a potential breakthrough in months of stalled negotiations. The deal, mediated by undisclosed parties, proposes releasing 10 Israeli hostages and several bodies in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, alongside guarantees for a permanent ceasefire and Israeli troop withdrawal.
While Hamas stated the framework includes provisions for aid delivery and a transitional committee to govern Gaza post-ceasefire, U.S. officials contradicted the claim. Witkoff denied Hamas had accepted his proposal, according to Axios, while Israel reportedly rejected the terms outright. Israeli media cited unnamed officials calling the plan 'unacceptable,' though Tel Aviv has yet to issue an official response.
Israel’s Stance & Regional Dynamics
Analysts suggest Israel’s conditions for ending the war remain firm. Abdel Mohdy Motawe of the Middle East Forum for Strategic Studies noted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on Hamas’ disarmament, removal from governance, and exile of its leaders. 'A partial deal might be possible, but full cessation requires meeting these demands,' Motawe told Xinhua.
Mokhtar Ghobashy of Egypt’s Al-Farabi Center criticized limited international pressure, stating Israel is 'exploiting time to advance displacement plans.' The lack of robust U.S. intervention, he argued, enables continued military operations despite growing humanitarian concerns.
As mediators await final responses, the proposal’s viability hinges on bridging gaps between Hamas’ demands for permanence and Israel’s security priorities. Global observers warn delayed resolutions risk exacerbating Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and regional instability.
