Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured relatives of hostages that an updated proposal would be sent to Hamas within two days, as reported by Hebrew media.
This statement comes during a crucial meeting with US President Joe Biden and American hostage families on Thursday evening.
A US-backed proposal aims to release the remaining hostages in Gaza and withdraw Israeli troops from the region over three phases.
Such an achievement would bolster Biden’s legacy, who has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming election, and could enhance Harris’s bid to succeed him.
During the meeting, some American hostage families questioned Netanyahu on whether he was delaying a deal.
According to two sources present, Netanyahu responded, “I am not delaying anything. An updated proposal for Hamas will be issued within two days.”
Officials told Reuters that changes demanded by Israel to the hostage deal proposal have complicated efforts to reach a final agreement. This proposal seeks to end nine months of combat and free over 100 hostages held in Gaza since October 7 or longer.