According to a report published Thursday evening by Reuters, citing an Israeli official, Israel is preparing for a potential agreement that would bring about a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The official indicated that Israel expects Hamas to provide a formal reply by Friday.
Should Hamas respond favorably, Israeli officials are expected to participate in indirect negotiations aimed at finalizing the deal.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene a meeting of the security cabinet tonight at his Jerusalem office to discuss the proposed hostage arrangement and the broader developments in Gaza.
The New York Times reported late Wednesday that the proposed agreement with Hamas includes the release of 10 hostages who are still alive and the return of 18 bodies, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Both an Israeli official and a Hamas-linked source told the paper that the plan envisions the transfer of hostages and remains over five phases, spanning 60 days under a temporary truce.
This marks a departure from Washington’s earlier offer in May, which had called for the release of all hostages within the first week of a ceasefire.
The current proposal also stipulates that Hamas must avoid organizing publicized “release ceremonies” with media attention, like those that occurred during the previous temporary ceasefire, which drew global criticism.
Three Israeli sources indicated that the updated plan includes assurances to Hamas that the ceasefire will transition into a full end to the conflict.
Reuters reported that Hamas is expected to give its response to international mediators no later than Friday evening.
According to the same sources, US President Donald Trump will be the one to publicly announce the deal if both parties give their approval. He is also expected to serve as the main guarantor of the ceasefire’s enforcement. Meanwhile, a Hamas-affiliated figure insisted the current draft contains only slight adjustments compared to a prior proposal put forward by mediator Witkoff.
The agreement includes written assurances from intermediaries that fighting will not resume as long as negotiations are active. It also commits the parties to begin discussions during the 60-day truce with the goal of securing a permanent ceasefire and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

{Matzav.com}