Israel proposes a two-month truce to free the hostages

Israel he made a proposal a two-month truce in the war of Loop in trade for Hamas release the hostages still being held in the Strip, Israeli media reported this Monday Wallawhich quoted two senior Israeli officials.

According to this news website, with access to high-ranking sources among Israeli authorities, the government Benjamin Netanyahu sent to Egypt and Taste -main mediators- a proposal proposing a ceasefire in the enclave for about two months in exchange for the release of prisoners. It would also include an exchange for Palestinian prisoners who would be released.

Israel estimates that some 136 Israeli hostages – including some 25 dead – are still being held in the Strip, and in recent days their families have stepped up their protests to Netanyahu to reach a deal and take action for their release. The prime minister was reluctant to reach an agreement with Hamas and advocated military pressure as a way to achieve his freedom.

EFE has consulted with the office of the head of the Israeli government about the truce proposal and is awaiting a response.

According to WallaIsrael’s proposal is the toughest since the war with Hamas broke out on October 7, although it limits the ceasefire offer to two months and does not adhere to the Islamist group’s demand that the military offensive be halted altogether.

At the end of last November, during the one-week truce, 105 prisoners They had already been released in an armistice agreement that also included release 240 Palestinian prisoners.

The new proposal formulated by Israel would include the release of all living hostages and the return of the bodies of the dead, and would be divided into different phases that could last up to 2 months.

The first phase would involve issuance captured women, men over 60 years of age and hostages in serious health. The next phase would entail the release of those under 60, soldiers and reservists, and the return of the bodies of dozens of deceased who are still in the Strip.

On the other hand, according to Walla, Israel and Hamas should agree in advance how many Palestinian prisoners will be released in exchange for the release of each prisoner, and then negotiate which Palestinian prisoners are included in the list, among which there could be a “significant number” in case of success.

The Israeli proposal would also include a possible gradual withdrawal of the army from parts of Gaza, which would begin with a gradual withdrawal of troops from large population centers.

On the other hand, as the agreement is implemented, the gradual return of internally displaced Palestinians to Gaza City and the northern strip will be enabled.

Likewise, according to Walla, Israel is still waiting for Hamas’ response to the proposalalthough the cited sources indicate that there is “some optimism” that this framework could be moved forward.