New Hamas Negotiating Position May Lead To Release Of Half The Live Hostages

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — The Lebanese-based Al-Akhbar newspaper published additional details about the proposed negotiation framework that may lead to the release of several Israeli hostages held by the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza.

According to the report, the Egyptian proposal includes a 40 to 70-day pause in fighting, during which eight living hostages — including Idan Alexander — and eight deceased hostages would be released. In return, according to the framework, approximately 1,100 Palestinian prisoners would be freed.

The source said that the agreement currently under negotiation may ultimately lead to the release of 11 living Israeli hostages and the return of 16 bodies, if a 70-day ceasefire is reached.

The deal includes the daily delivery of large quantities of humanitarian aid, according to mechanisms adopted in the previous agreement.

The Egyptian proposal also includes an Israeli withdrawal from several positions that the IDF has taken over in recent days, as well as easing movement within the Gaza Strip.

According to the report, both sides also discussed the “establishment of a coordination committee to manage the Gaza Strip” during a transitional period of approximately six months, as part of Egypt’s plan to reunite Judea, Samaria and Gaza under the administration of the Palestinian Authority.

Following the Egyptian report about Hamas showing flexibility, sources in Jerusalem stated that Israel still seeks to implement the “Witkoff framework”, which would involve the return of at least half of the living hostages in the first phase, or no fewer than ten living hostages, based on partial intelligence regarding the status of the captives in Gaza.

The Lebanese newspaper reported that, in return, the mediators are expected to relay a request for the release of 1,100 Palestinian security prisoners, some of whom would be deported to Egypt or other countries.