War in Israel: Egypt offers new deal regarding release of hostages
Egypt has put a new ceasefire agreement on the table for further negotiations and the release of Israeli hostages held by terrorists in the Gaza Strip, according to The Times of Israel.
Israeli officials have confirmed this information, and some indicate that Jerusalem does not reject this proposal and that it could lead to negotiations.
According to the Saudi news site Asharq, citing a source involved in the negotiations between Egypt and Hamas in Cairo, the Egyptian initiative is a plan to cease hostilities and release all remaining hostages in three stages.
The first stage will involve a two-week cessation of hostilities, with the possibility of extension to three or four weeks, in exchange for the release of 40 hostages—women, minors, and elderly individuals, especially those in poor health.
In return, Israel will release 120 Palestinian prisoners from its security forces, belonging to the same categories. During this time, hostilities will cease, Israeli tanks will be withdrawn, and humanitarian aid will be delivered to Gaza.
The second stage, with the support of Egypt, will involve a Palestinian national dialogue aimed at resolving differences between Palestinian factions—primarily the Palestinian Authority and the Hamas terrorist group.
The goal is to form a technocratic government in the West Bank and Gaza that will oversee the reconstruction of Gaza and pave the way for Palestinian parliamentary and presidential elections.
The war between Israel and Hamas
The war between Israel and Hamas escalated on October 7 when Hamas militants launched a large-scale invasion into Israel, killing and kidnapping both military and civilian individuals. In response, Israel declared the beginning of Operation Iron Swords and shelled terrorist locations.
On November 24, Israel signed a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, including the release of hostages. The first group of hostages was released on the same day. The ceasefire lasted until December 1. After that, the Israel Defense Forces announced the termination of the agreement due to Hamas shelling Israeli territory.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously stated that international pressure would not stop Israel from continuing its war against Hamas.
On December 20, Israel proposed a one-week ceasefire to the Palestinians, offering to release 40 individuals, including women, children, and elderly men in urgent need of medical assistance. However, Hamas rejected Israel's proposal for a one-week ceasefire.
