According to the news site “Axios” on Friday, citing three informed sources, the United States has proposed new wording for parts of the proposed ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages between Israel and Hamas in an effort to finalize the deal.
Axios reported that this newly proposed wording, which has not been previously disclosed, is an amendment to the Israeli proposal approved by the War Council and announced by U.S. President Joe Biden in a speech last month.
The three sources mentioned that U.S. efforts, in collaboration with Qatari and Egyptian mediators, are focused on Article Eight of the previous proposal. This article pertains to the negotiations that are supposed to begin between Israel and Hamas during the first phase of the deal, which includes setting specific conditions for the second phase aimed at achieving lasting calm in Gaza.
The sources also noted that Hamas wants these negotiations to focus on the number and identity of Palestinian prisoners who will be released from Israeli prisons in exchange for each soldier or hostage held in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. According to recent reports, Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel caused over 1,195 deaths, mostly civilians. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, leading to over 37,765 deaths, also predominantly civilians.
