Last week, White House envoy Steve Witkoff presented a new proposal to Hamas for a comprehensive Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal through an Israeli peace activist, as reported by two sources familiar with the situation speaking to Axios. This significant development aims to establish a diplomatic resolution before the anticipated large-scale offensive by Israel to occupy Gaza City.
The U.S. initiative seeks to create a path toward peace amidst escalating tensions. On Friday, President Trump emphasized the United States is engaged in intense negotiations with Hamas regarding a Gaza hostage release and ceasefire agreement. He communicated a clear message to Hamas: the immediate release of hostages could lead to favorable outcomes, while failure to comply would result in severe consequences.
Trump's remarks coincided with Israel's military operations, which began targeting high-rise buildings in Gaza City purportedly used by Hamas for military activities. This action marks a critical phase in Israel's offensive strategy aimed at dismantling Hamas, with support from the Trump administration expected to intensify in the coming days.
The recent proposal entails the release of all 48 remaining hostages in exchange for a ceasefire and the cessation of Israeli operations to occupy Gaza. According to a senior Israeli official familiar with the discussions, Israel would also agree to release between 2,500 and 3,000 Palestinian prisoners, including individuals serving life sentences for crimes against Israelis. This exchange is intended to foster goodwill and facilitate further negotiations.
Upon the declaration of a ceasefire, discussions would promptly commence regarding the termination of hostilities, addressing key issues such as Hamas’ disarmament and Israel's demand for a complete withdrawal of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from the Gaza Strip. The proposal underscores that should Hamas respond positively, President Trump would actively pursue an end to the conflict, maintaining the ceasefire as long as negotiations progress.
In a strategic move, Witkoff engaged in a discussion with President Trump while playing golf last Sunday, where they evaluated the ongoing Gaza war situation. Sources revealed that Trump instructed Witkoff to reinvigorate efforts to secure a deal that would lead to the release of all remaining hostages.
Witkoff subsequently reached out to Palestinian-American businessman Bishara Bahbah, known for his connections with Hamas, to convey a message that a complete hostage release would encourage Trump to work towards concluding the war. Bahbah communicated this message to Hamas and later reported back to Witkoff, indicating Hamas’ willingness to consider a comprehensive deal.
However, Hamas insisted that the release of hostages should coincide with a declaration of a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Witkoff also established a new communication channel with Hamas via Israeli peace activist Gershon Baskin, who has a history of mediating between conflicting parties.
Despite these efforts, Israeli officials remain skeptical about the potential for breakthroughs through Witkoff's back channel. They note that Hamas harbors doubts about the reliability of negotiations that bypass traditional mediators like Egypt and Qatar. The ongoing distrust partly stems from past experiences where Hamas felt misled regarding U.S. pressure on Israel following the release of American hostage Edan Alexander.
Currently, the outlook remains uncertain. Israeli officials believe that the situation requires a shift in the positions of either Israel, Hamas, or the U.S. for meaningful progress to occur. As the situation develops, the next few days will be critical in determining whether a viable path toward peace and resolution can be achieved.
In conclusion, while the new U.S. proposal for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal presents an opportunity for dialogue, significant challenges remain. The effectiveness of these back-channel communications will be pivotal in the ongoing quest for peace in the region.
