New proposal to end war would see all hostages released during months-long ceasefire
World
Egyptian officials said the new proposal would see an end to the conflict in Gaza
(Web Desk) - Mediators from Arab nations have a new proposal to end the Israel-Hamas War that would see all of the remaining hostages released in exchange for a months-long ceasefire, The Wall Street Journal reports.
Egyptian officials reportedly said Saturday that the new proposal would see an end to the conflict in Gaza that has been raging since Hamas launched an Oct. 7 attack on Israel that saw thousands killed, injured, raped and kidnapped.
The proposed ceasefire would take place over a period of around four months, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The proposal calls for an initial six-week truce so Hamas and allied forces can release the remaining women, children and elderly hostages, according to the report. In exchange, Israel would release Palestinian prisoners and would allow an increased flow of aid into Gaza, the Egyptian officials said.
Hamas would then release hostages that are members of Israel’s military in the weeks that followed, starting with women and followed by men and human remains.
In return, Hamas would be guaranteed by international powers, such as America, that an agreement to end the Israel-Hamas war would be reached during the ceasefire.
Egyptian officials say Arab leaders are attempting to find a compromise between Israel and Hamas so that the ceasefire and release of hostages can occur.
Neither Israel nor Hamas have responded to the latest proposal yet, which was made in recent days.
While both entities have been rejecting other proposals, Egyptian officials say they both now mostly agree on a framework that includes long-term ceasefires.
A previously ceasefire saw the release of about 110 hostages and 350 Palestinian prisoners.
The new proposal comes as America’s CIA Director Bill Burns prepares to travel to Europe to meet with Qatar’s Prime Minister along with negotiators from both Israel and Egypt.
