In a significant development, US special envoy Steve Witkoff revealed to CNN that a ceasefire-hostage deal for Gaza is currently under consideration, potentially paving the way to end the ongoing conflict. Witkoff has urged Hamas to accept this proposal, which aims to facilitate a temporary ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages.
The proposed plan involves the release of half of the living hostages and half of those who have died. This exchange is hoped to lead to a temporary ceasefire, after which comprehensive negotiations for a permanent end to the war would commence. Witkoff, during his interview with CNN on Monday, emphasized the importance of this deal, stating, “Israel will agree to a temporary ceasefire/hostage deal that would see half of the living and half of the deceased return and lead to substantive negotiations to find a path to a permanent ceasefire, which I have agreed to preside over.”
While Witkoff did not specify the duration of the temporary truce, he acknowledged that this has been a crucial point of contention in the ongoing negotiations. “That deal is on the table. Hamas should take it,” he reiterated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
As of now, Hamas has not accepted the deal proposed by Witkoff. This marks the first instance where Witkoff has indicated his willingness to oversee negotiations aimed at ending the war during the temporary ceasefire. Historically, Hamas has sought assurances that Israel would engage sincerely in negotiations to conclude the conflict if it agrees to another ceasefire, particularly after Israel's previous refusal to negotiate during the last truce.
Witkoff's involvement in facilitating a permanent ceasefire is seen as an effort to provide Hamas with the necessary assurances from Washington that Israel will participate in future negotiations. This could potentially influence Hamas' decision regarding the acceptance of the proposed ceasefire-hostage deal.
Earlier on Monday, Reuters reported that Hamas had tentatively agreed to a different proposal, which involved the release of 10 hostages in two groups in exchange for a 70-day truce. However, Witkoff clarified to CNN that this was not his proposal, stating, “What I have seen is completely unacceptable.”
In a related development, a Palestinian official close to the negotiations informed CNN that Hamas has indeed agreed to Witkoff’s proposal, although further details regarding the specifics of the deal remain undisclosed. CNN has reached out to the Israeli government for comments regarding these ongoing negotiations.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains watchful for developments that could lead to a resolution to the conflict in Gaza.
