Watan-Mediators working to end the war in Gaza are optimistic that a new ceasefire deal—lasting 60 days—may be announced soon, barring last-minute objections from Israel. The proposal, based on U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s framework, includes modifications to balance the demands of Hamas and Israel.
Though it omits explicit language about a ceasefire (a point Israel insists on), it offers strong assurances against the resumption of war and commits both sides to negotiations—addressing Hamas’s key demand.
Key Elements of the Proposal:
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Indirect Negotiations: If both sides approve, swift indirect talks will begin to resolve “technical issues,” including:
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Selection and release of prisoners
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Criteria for high-sentence Palestinian prisoners
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Israeli withdrawal plans from Gaza, including contentious areas like the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egyptian border
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Initial Military Withdrawal: Hamas reportedly agreed to an initial Israeli withdrawal similar to January’s ceasefire pattern, as a first step toward a complete exit.
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Hostage and Prisoner Exchange Timeline:
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Day 1: Release of 8 live Israeli hostages; start of Israeli pullout from northern Gaza
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Day 7: Return of 5 Israeli bodies; begin withdrawal from southern Gaza
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Day 30 & 50: Return of 5 more bodies and 2 live hostages, respectively
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Day 60: Handover of 8 Israeli bodies
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Humanitarian Protocol:
Aid deliveries will begin immediately upon Hamas’s approval of the deal, per the January 9 agreement, involving:-
UN and Red Crescent participation
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Aid trucks carrying food, medicine, tents, and mobile homes
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Heavy machinery for rubble clearance and infrastructure repair
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Security Measures & Intelligence Sharing:
Aid delivery will follow strict coordination without any public ceremonies. Hamas must provide proof-of-life or death for all captives by Day 10, while Israel must disclose data on Palestinians detained since October 7. -
Ceasefire Negotiations Framework:
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During the 60-day truce, intensive negotiations will aim for a permanent ceasefire.
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The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar will guarantee the process.
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If no agreement is reached by Day 60, the truce may be extended.
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U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce the final agreement personally, affirming U.S. commitment.
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Reconstruction & Security Guarantees:
A final agreement would address:-
A long-term truce
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International guarantees for Gaza’s reconstruction and demilitarization
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Full prisoner releases on both sides
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Hamas Reactions:
Hamas confirmed it is dealing with the proposal “with high responsibility” and conducting internal and factional consultations. Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nunu stated the movement is ready to agree to any plan that leads to a full end to the war. Politburo members also held strategic meetings in Ankara with Turkey’s foreign minister Hakan Fidan and intelligence chief İbrahim Kalın, to discuss diplomatic efforts to stop the war and secure humanitarian relief.
Israeli Political Backlash:
While President Trump claimed that Israel has agreed to the plan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not formally endorsed it. He faces heavy resistance from far-right ministers, particularly Itamar Ben Gvir, who threatens to quit the coalition if the war is paused. Ben Gvir insists on escalating the ground assault, not freezing it.
Netanyahu continues to pledge that Hamas will not be allowed to return to power, and that all Israeli hostages will be rescued. Nonetheless, behind the scenes, strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer reportedly accepted parts of the proposal, including phased military withdrawal and humanitarian aid—according to Israeli media.
Trump’s Warning:
Trump issued a blunt statement on Truth Social, warning Hamas: “I hope, for the sake of the Middle East, that Hamas accepts this deal. If not, things will only get worse for them.”
Notably Unaddressed: Hamas’s Weapons
So far, the issue of Hamas’s military arsenal has not been raised in negotiations. It’s unclear if Israel will insist on addressing it in the upcoming indirect talks, or whether it will be postponed to later stages.
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