Amidst the prolonged conflict since October 7, there are reports that Israel has proposed a two-month hiatus in its military offensive against the Hamas militant group in Gaza. If successful, this could represent a significant breakthrough following the November truce, during which Israel ceased its bombardment of the besieged territory.
The proposal was submitted through Qatari and Egyptian mediators. In exchange, Israel wants a phased release of the remaining 136 hostages.
Notably, the offer is not in alignment with Hamas’ demand for a complete termination of the ongoing war, which started following the bloodshed on October 7 when militants entered Israel and attacked Israeli civilians.
The proposal includes the release of specific groups of hostages in stages. Moreover, it also includes a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza’s main population centers, as well as a gradual return of Palestinians to the north of Gaza, media reports said.
Israel is currently awaiting Hamas’ response to the proposal.
(With inputs from agencies)
