Scoop: Israel proposes 2-month fighting pause in Gaza for release of all hostages [View all]

[tritsofme]

Israel has given Hamas a proposal through Qatari and Egyptian mediators that includes up to two months of a pause in the fighting as part of a multi-phase deal that would include the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza, two Israeli officials said.

Why it matters: While the proposal doesn't include an agreement to end the war, it is the longest period of ceasefire that Israel has offered Hamas since the start of the war.

Driving the news: More than 130 hostages are still being held in Gaza. Israeli officials say several dozen hostages either died on October 7 or in the weeks since then.

Behind the scenes: Two Israeli officials said the Israeli war cabinet approved ten days ago the parameters of a new proposal for a hostage deal, which are different from past aspects of deals rejected by Hamas and more forward-leaning than previous Israeli proposals.

https://www.axios.com/2024/01/22/israel-hamas-gaza-ceasefire-hostages

The ball is once again in the court of Hamas, will they continue to force Gazans to endure war, or will they agree to these reasonable terms?