Axios - Israel gave Hamas updated proposal for Gaza deal as Trump pushes for resolution

Barak Ravid
21 mins ago



Israel gave Hamas an updated proposal for a deal to release some of the remaining 100 hostages held by Hamas and begin a ceasefire in Gaza, two Israeli officials said.

Why it matters: Israel hopes the killing of Hamas' leader Yahya Sinwar, a ceasefire in Lebanon and pressure from President-elect Trump could provide an opening to resume negotiations that have been deadlocked for three months, Israeli officials said.

-The updated framework for a deal is not significantly different from the proposal that was negotiated in August and didn't materialize. But the focus now is to try to implement mainly the first phase of that deal with some changes, Israeli officials said.

-The officials said Hamas has shown more willingness to be flexible and begin implementing even a partial deal.

Driving the news: On Wednesday, Israel's Defense Forces announced it recovered the body of an Israeli hostage from Gaza.

-Itay Svirsky was kidnapped alive from Be'eri, a Kibutz near Gaza, during the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. The IDF said he was murdered by his Hamas captives several months later.

-There are now 100 hostages still being held in Gaza, including them seven Americans. The IDF believes between 40 and 50 of the hostages are still alive.

-More than 44,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli forces since the Hamas attacks last year, according to local health officials.

/snip