Israeli Ministers to Discuss Truce Proposal with Hamas

Israeli ministers are scheduled to convene on Thursday evening to deliberate Hamas’s response to a newly proposed truce in Gaza and the release of hostages. Mediators are actively engaged in reviving discussions for a cease-fire after almost nine months of conflict.

The Israeli government announced on Wednesday that it is evaluating Hamas’s reaction to the latest proposal and is preparing to respond through intermediaries. The negotiations are based on a three-stage framework agreement outlined by President Biden in May and backed by the UN Security Council.

An Israeli official, who requested anonymity, mentioned on Wednesday night that despite significant differences between the parties, Hamas’s response indicates potential progress in the negotiations. However, further details were not disclosed.

For months, Israel, Hamas, along with Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, have been engaged in indirect talks regarding a possible cease-fire. The proposed truce includes three stages in Gaza and the release of the 120 hostages, both alive and deceased, still held by Hamas. Nevertheless, substantial disagreements on key issues have kept the talks largely stagnant since June.

The primary obstacles revolve around a foundational disagreement: Hamas seeks assurances that the agreement will result in an end to the conflict and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. In contrast, Israel has vowed to continue operations until Hamas is eradicated and is also aiming for security control in Gaza post-conflict.

Within Israel, influential members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government have already voiced opposition to a potential deal with Hamas.