In a related but unusual twist, Israel has put forward a counter-counter-proposal. This new plan addresses the last Egyptian ceasefire proposal that Hamas accepted, which includes the release of five hostages. Included among the hostages is a young America-Israeli Edan Alexander. They are a part of a plan that sounds like one US special envoy Steve Witkoff introduced last fall. Still, questions persist as to whether the proposal includes the release of the other bodies of dead hostages.
Even though there was no immediate agreement, an Israeli Prime Minister’s office official later confirmed submission of their own counter-proposal.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conducted a series of consultations yesterday, following a proposal received from the mediators. In recent hours, Israel transferred its counter proposal to the mediators, in full coordination with the United States,” – Israeli Prime Minister’s office
Israel this week has escalated its bombing campaign in Gaza and deepened its blockade on Gaza, restricting humanitarian aid. Consequently, tensions have only worsened despite continued diplomacy. The Israeli government would like to issue a very severe warning. It requires that its troops be forced to make a continual, ongoing presence in certain parts of Gaza. Israel is equally determined to achieve the release of the other 24 remaining hostages known to be alive.
Hamas has already endorsed the new Egyptian proposal. As such, group Leader Khalil Al-Hayya claimed the militant group is making serious progress in talks. Hamas wants all hostages to be returned to phase 1 ceasefire conditions before releasing the five hostages back. These conditions are the unconditional entry of humanitarian aid and a commitment to negotiate the next stages of the ceasefire.
Israel’s counter-proposal—in an apparent nod to the strategic alliance between the two nations—appeared to have been written in collaboration with US officials. Though, as negotiations are still ongoing, the full implications and possible impact are not yet known.
