Israeli Newpaper Calling For Hostage Return/Chenspec, CC BY-SA 4.0
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has presented a proposal to resolve the hostage crisis, as negotiations continue in Qatar over extending the Gaza ceasefire and releasing Israeli hostages.
Witkoff’s proposal includes two rounds of hostage releases, each involving five to six living hostages and the return of five to ten bodies. In exchange, Palestinian prisoners would be released, along with a 45-50 day ceasefire. Negotiations for the deal’s next phases would continue during the ceasefire.
Additionally, humanitarian aid and electricity supplies to Gaza, previously halted by Israel, would resume.
Reportedly, Israel is pressing for the release of additional hostages but has tentatively agreed to the current proposal, described by officials as an “interim agreement” to facilitate talks on the next phase.
While Hamas has not rejected the U.S. proposal it demands an Israeli withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor and a commitment to a second negotiation phase, as outlined in the original ceasefire agreement.
The first phase of the hostage deal ended on March 1, but the ceasefire continues despite Hamas not releasing additional hostages. As of March 13, 59 hostages—24 officially confirmed alive—remain in Gaza after 523 days in captivity.
During this proposed ceasefire, Trump is expected to visit Saudi Arabia within six weeks to advance Middle East normalization and expand the Abraham Accords to include more Arab and Muslim nations.
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