Mediators for a hostage and ceasefire deal are racing against time to reach an agreement ahead of a potential Israeli operation in Gaza City. According to informed sources, US, Egyptian, and Qatari officials are discussing proposals to end the war, which include releasing 50 remaining hostages and withdrawing IDF troops from the Gaza Strip.
The discussions also mention exile of some Hamas military wing leaders and establishment of a technocratic government to manage the Strip, supported by a police force. The mediators have begun sharing these proposals with each other before presenting them to the two sides, with sources indicating a possible agreement is within reach.
Meanwhile, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani on Saturday to discuss plans for ending the Gaza war. The meeting aims to formulate a new outline, which could take at least a week to complete.
An Israeli official expressed skepticism that Hamas would accept an agreement, stating that “our war is with Hamas, not with the US.” However, Qatar and Egypt’s proposal suggests releasing all hostages, both living and deceased, in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. The plan also calls for “freezing” Hamas’s weaponry and relinquishing its power over Gaza.
Hamas has rejected this approach, viewing any force formed to govern Gaza as an “occupying” force linked to Israel. The Egyptian-Qatari proposal aims to establish a Palestinian-Arab committee to run Gaza and oversee reconstruction efforts until a new administration with a police force is established.
Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-863710