A diplomatic tour de force is underway in the Middle East as negotiators push for a truce in Gaza. Both Israel and Hamas have put demands on the table. What could a potential ceasefire deal look like?

Jerusalem

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is 'at war' following a surprise attack from Gaza by Hamas militants.

Israel-Gaza War

In a crucial development in the Middle East, diplomats are intensively working towards brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Both parties have made specific demands as part of the negotiation process to halt the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The potential ceasefire deal involves several significant terms, aiming to address the urgent issue of hostages and prisoners held by both sides.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, Israel is willing to cease military operations for a duration of 10 weeks on the condition that Hamas releases 20 Israeli hostages. Contrarily, The Times of Israel reports that the number of hostages to be released by Hamas might be as high as 33. In a reciprocal gesture, Israeli sources, including Channel 12, have disclosed that Israel might release up to 900 Palestinian prisoners. This exchange rate would translate to Israel releasing between 27 to 45 Palestinian prisoners for every Israeli hostage freed by Hamas.

The anticipation for a response from Hamas is high, with officials expecting an answer by a specified deadline. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is actively engaging with leaders in the region to encourage Hamas to agree to Israel’s proposal. However, Hamas has outlined its conditions for a ceasefire, insisting on a permanent halt to hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Additionally, Hamas is demanding the right for all displaced individuals to return to their homes, highlighting the plight of one million people currently taking refuge in Raffa.

Amid these negotiations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that irrespective of a ceasefire agreement, Israel’s strategic objective to dismantle Hamas' military presence in the southern city remains unchanged.



Gaza ceasefire deal: what are Israel and Hamas' demands?

With a deal on the table, one of Israel and Hamas' highest priorities remains the recovery of hostages and prisoners held by either side. According to the Wall Street Journal, Israel's military would be prepared to put down its weapons for 10 weeks if Hamas agrees to free 20 Israeli hostages. The Times of Israel puts this number at 33. In exchange, Israeli television Channel 12 states it would release 900 Palestinian prisoners, which would amount to 27 to 45 prisoners per Israeli hostage. Officials are reportedly expecting a response from Hamas by Wednesday night, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been meeting with regional leaders to press Hamas to accept the proposal. But the group has so far made it clear it would only accept a deal based on a permanent ceasefire as well as the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Hamas also wants all displaced people to be able to return to their homes across the Strip, including the one million people currently sheltering in Raffa. But Benjamin Netanyahu has made one matter clear, ceasefire or not, the Israeli Prime Minister plans to destroy Hamas' battalions in the southern city.

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Israel-Gaza War