Hamas is considering a new proposal that could potentially end the war in Gaza. The proposal, put forth by Egypt, calls for the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a pause in hostilities and the release of Palestinian prisoners. The proposal is divided into two phases, with the first phase involving the release of 20-33 hostages over several weeks in exchange for a pause in hostilities and the release of Palestinian prisoners. The second phase involves the "restoration of sustainable calm," which would include the exchange of remaining hostages, captive Israeli soldiers, and the bodies of hostages for more Palestinian prisoners.
The proposal is seen as a major step towards ending the war, but a failure to agree could lead to a large-scale ground invasion by Israel into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where over 1 million Palestinians are sheltering. Israel's allies, including the US, have warned against the operation due to the potential for large-scale civilian casualties.
Israeli officials have expressed openness to negotiating the "restoration of sustainable calm" as part of a comprehensive deal that would effectively end the war. Egypt has proposed a one-year ceasefire as part of a comprehensive deal that would see Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza and the release of all remaining hostages and the bodies of those who have died.
Hamas has insisted that a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza should be part of the agreement. Israel has thus far maintained that its operation in Gaza will continue until Hamas is eradicated. However, Israel has now agreed to the unrestricted movement of Palestinians to northern Gaza, a key demand by Hamas that has held back negotiations in the past.
The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has called the proposal "extraordinarily generous" on the part of Israel and has urged Hamas to accept it. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has also expressed hope that the proposal will be accepted, saying that it is up to the two sides to consider and accept.
The proposal comes as the death toll from Israel's bombardment in Gaza continues to climb. Twenty people, including at least one infant and a toddler, died following an Israeli airstrike over Rafah, Gaza, overnight into Monday. Seven Palestinians were also killed and dozens injured in two separate Israeli airstrikes overnight in Gaza City.
The US has warned Israel against launching a major military operation in Rafah, saying that it will not support such an operation unless adequate measures are taken to ensure the safety of civilians. The White House has also expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and has urged Israel to allow more aid to reach the strip.
In a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden addressed the need for increased humanitarian assistance and reiterated his clear position on a potential Israeli invasion of Rafah. The US has also been in talks with Israel over its plans for Rafah, with the White House saying that Israel has assured them that it will not launch an invasion until the US has had a chance to share its concerns.
The proposal is seen as a last chance to avert a major military operation in Rafah, which could have devastating consequences for civilians. The US and other Israel allies have urged both sides to accept the proposal and work towards a comprehensive deal that would end the war and address the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
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