 "Uncertainty looms as first phase of Gaza truce expires. AFP")
The US has reportedly proposed a deal to the Palestinian militant organisation Hamas involving a 60-day ceasefire with Israel in exchange for 10 living captives, Sky News Arabia has reported, citing sources.
The source said: “Washington asked Hamas to release ten hostages… in exchange for extending the ceasefire for sixty days, starting negotiations on the second phase and the position of Israeli forces along the Philadelphi Corridor.”
The entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip would also be resumed under the deal, the source added.
It was not clear when the US made this offer to Hamas, but the source said the militant group was pondering over it.
“Hamas is still considering its response to the American proposal,” said the source.
‘Hostages likely to be killed’
Meanwhile, Hamas warned Thursday (March 6) that some hostages were “likely to be killed” if Israel resorts to resuming the war.
Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida stated that Israeli threats of war and blockade would not lead to the release of hostages.
He also claimed that Hamas remains committed to the ceasefire agreement and hostage deal with Israel.
Currently, 59 Israeli hostages are still being held in Gaza following the first phase of the truce. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that at least 35 of them have died.
Negotiations ‘hit snag’
Times of Israel reported that the talks between the US and Hamas, which were reportedly conducted without briefing Israel, hit a snag after the details were leaked to the media.
According to one official cited by Times of Israel, the negotiations largely focused on “securing the release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander along with the bodies of American-Israelis Itay Chen, Omer Neutra, Gadi Haggai and Judi Weinstein.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsAccording to the official, Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu was not happy with this development, given that the Jewish nation was allegedly kept in the dark.
The official denied reports that any progress had been made in the negotiations or that discussions had shifted to phase two.
Trump’s hostage envoy, Adam Boehler, has been leading the talks with Hamas on behalf of Washington, the official confirmed. These negotiations have been taking place in Doha.
This marks a shift from the long-standing US policy of not engaging in direct negotiations with Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by the US and several other Western countries.
(With inputs from agencies)