Hamas appears to have dropped its demand that Tel Aviv first commit to a permanent ceasefire before signing the agreement. In return, the mediators have to guarantee a temporary truce, the delivery of aid and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
For the first time, Israeli sources admit the real possibility of reaching a compromise.
Hamas’s endorsement of the United States’ proposal could enable the first pause in fighting and the release of an as yet undisclosed number of hostages. To the six-week temporary ceasefirein addition to the requirement of withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Israel claims that operations in Gaza are about to come to an end, but after nine months of bombings and misleading guarantees, the Palestinian side admits moving forward with the agreement just 16 days after the first phase is completed.
At that point, negotiations can continue and the second phase can be implemented, with the Release civilians and male soldiers.
In a third phase, the remaining hostages would be released, including the bodies of dead prisoners, and the reconstruction project.
Efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages have intensified in recent days, with Netanyahu coming under increasing pressure both inside and outside Israel.
However, Egyptian state television reported that the Egypt will receive delegations from Israel and the United States for negotiations on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The two countries will discuss outstanding issues for a possible agreement.
