Revealing an Updated American Proposal for a Ceasefire in Gaza

SadaNews - Washington has prepared an updated proposal aimed at achieving a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, following discussions between Hamas and mediators in Cairo, and talks with Israel this week. All parties are currently reviewing the draft proposal, which American and Arab sources described as a "structure to break the deadlock in negotiations"; according to what was reported by "Israel Hayom" this Saturday.

The American proposal stipulates a multi-phase permanent settlement, beginning with the proposal from Middle East envoy, Steve Wojciechowski, and culminating in a long-term ceasefire.

The updated draft proposal aims to "avoid colliding with the Israeli position, which currently emphasizes reaching a comprehensive agreement rather than a partial deal, while simultaneously allowing for a ceasefire that facilitates the release of some Israeli prisoners in exchange for a cessation of hostilities"; as noted in the Israeli report.

Phase one is based on Wojciechowski's proposal with minor adjustments, which stipulates releasing half of the living Israeli prisoners and the bodies of the deceased, while negotiations over the terms for ending the war, including the disarmament of Hamas, the evacuation of its remaining leaders in the sector, and transferring civil responsibility to an international party, should occur during the ceasefire.

Read also: Sources to "SadaNews": Hamas agreed to return to the last ceasefire proposal

The Israeli report pointed out that "the new element in the proposal is starting to implement international civil administration for the residents of the sector during the ceasefire, and before reaching final agreements, which means Hamas would effectively relinquish its civil control in favor of other entities, with the aim of removing civilians in Gaza from the equation of war and ending their dependency on Hamas, and beginning the reconstruction of the sector."

An American source mentioned that "if negotiations begin, they may not take place in Qatar, and will be presented to Hamas as a last resort to prevent the full occupation of the sector by Israel, with all the implications that entails." Adding that "Israel enjoys full American support for such a process if Hamas rejects it."

However, he also noted that this support is not open-ended, indicating that President Donald Trump is determined to end the war in Gaza "within weeks or a few months at most."

The American source indicated that timing is critical at this stage in light of the sensitive diplomatic situation worldwide towards Israel, and the events related to the war expected to coincide with the United Nations General Assembly in September, following declarations from some Western countries of their intention to recognize the Palestinian state and push for international resolutions pressuring an end to the war.

The White House does not rule out that Trump, who has ended three disputes between India and Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Armenia, Thailand and Cambodia, will visit Israel to finalize the agreement or as soon as it approaches signing, considering that the war in Gaza would be his last task if his mission to end the war in Ukraine is successful; according to what was reported by "Israel Hayom."

On the Israeli side, the negotiating team, senior security agencies, and political level are skeptical about the apparent change in Hamas's position, but most officials believe that if it is possible to achieve the release of at least half of the prisoners under the Wojciechowski proposal or a similar formulation, it should be accepted.

"Israel Hayom" quoted an Israeli official saying that "the state's commitment includes all the kidnapped, thus a multi-stage proposal leading to the release of all of them is better than Wojciechowski's proposal alone." He expressed skepticism about Hamas's willingness to implement the conditions, considering that "it depends on the level of pressure from Iran, and on the extent to which the movement's leadership is convinced that the army is indeed moving towards complete control despite internal disagreements in Israel."