AFP quoted a Palestinian source familiar with the Gaza ceasefire negotiations on Monday as saying that the mediators' new ceasefire offer includes a partial Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
The source, who spoke to the agency on condition of anonymity, said the new offer includes "a partial withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, particularly from Salah al-Din Road, including the Netzarim Junction south of Gaza City, the Morag axis north of Rafah, and population centers."
The agency quoted the source as saying that the mediators' offer for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip includes the release of 10 Israeli prisoners in exchange for a 70-day truce and a partial Israeli withdrawal from the Strip.
The source said, "The new offer, which represents an evolution of the path and vision of US envoy Steve Witkoff, includes the release of 10 living Israeli prisoners held by Hamas in exchange for a 70-day truce and a partial withdrawal from the Gaza Strip... and the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, including several hundred serving long sentences and life sentences."
A Palestinian official close to Hamas confirmed these details to Reuters, saying the movement had agreed to US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The official stated that mediators had presented a new proposal over the past few days in an attempt to reach a ceasefire agreement. He said, "Indirect negotiations will begin regarding a long-term truce and its requirements, and the empowerment of the independent community support committee to govern Gaza."
This offer was presented "within the past few days," according to the source, who did not specify whether it was an American, Egyptian, or Qatari proposal. All three countries have participated in talks aimed at a ceasefire throughout the war.
The source said that the offer "includes the release of five living Israeli prisoners in the first week of the agreement's entry into force, and the release of five others before the end of the truce period."
American proposal
Meanwhile, the newspaper Israel Hayom quoted sources as saying that the United States is developing a new proposal for a prisoner exchange deal in Gaza and is considering presenting it this week.
Sources reported that US administration officials are obstructing the expansion of the military operation in Gaza, amid efforts to formulate a proposed deal.
US President Donald Trump previously revealed that his administration was in contact with Israel regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, and that he expected good news "with Hamas."
Trump said that talks are underway with Israel regarding the possibility of ending the war in Gaza as soon as possible, noting that he believes there may be good news regarding negotiations with Hamas regarding a ceasefire.
"I think we may have some good news with Hamas in Gaza," Trump said. "As for Israel, we've spoken to them, and we want to see if we can bring this whole situation to a close as quickly as possible."
Tel Aviv estimates that there are 58 Israeli prisoners in Gaza, 20 of whom are still alive. Meanwhile, more than 10,100 Palestinians are languishing in its prisons, suffering torture, starvation, and medical neglect, many of whom have died, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights and media reports.
Hamas has repeatedly affirmed its willingness to release all Israeli prisoners in one batch, in exchange for an end to the war of extermination, the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
But Netanyahu, who is wanted by international justice, is evading justice and insisting on reoccupying Gaza and disarming Palestinian factions, a demand the latter reject as long as the Israeli occupation continues.
شارك برأيك
Sources discuss details of a new ceasefire offer in Gaza.