Report: Egypt, Qatar pushing for 6-month ceasefire, limited hostage release

Amid reports that Hamas is willing to accept a five-year Gaza ceasefire in exchange for the release of the remaining 59 hostages, Qatar and Egypt reportedly propose a six-month truce and the freeing of some hostages.

By World Israel News Staff

Arab mediators brokering talks between Israel and Hamas have drafted a new plan for a limited, interim deal which would secure the release of some of the remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for a six-month truce and negotiations regarding the post-war arrangement for governing the Gaza Strip, according to an Arabic news report.

On Saturday, the Saudi-owned, London-based Asharq Al-Awsat outlet reported that Egyptian and Qatari mediators have spoken with Israeli and Hamas negotiators regarding a possible partial deal, under which some of the remaining 59 hostages would be return to Israel, in exchange for the freeing of more convicted Arab terrorists and the cessation of fighting in Gaza for half a year.

The report cited Hamas sources who claimed Egyptian and Qatari interlocutors proposed an interim deal during a meeting in Cairo on Saturday.

No details were provided regarding the number of hostages who would be released under the plan, with the Hamas sources only saying that the plan called for some number of captives – both living and dead – to be returned.

Saturday’s report did not specify the timeframe for releasing the hostages.

Of the remaining 59 hostages, Israeli intelligence has obtained evidence suggesting that at least 35 are dead, while the status of the remaining 24 is uncertain.

According to the report, both Israel and Hamas are interested in reaching an agreement in the near future, with the US being updated regarding the latest proposal.

The report came after a Hamas official told the French AFP news agency that the group was prepared to release all 59 hostages in exchange for a five-year ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, the lifting of all restrictions on incoming goods, and steps to facilitate the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.