Majid Al-Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the latest ceasefire proposal in Gaza, approved by Hamas, “almost matches” a previous plan proposed by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and accepted by Israel. Al-Ansari explained in a press conference in Doha on Tuesday that the proposal approved by Hamas includes a path to a permanent ceasefire and is “the best that can be offered currently” to preserve civilian lives in Gaza. Mediators are awaiting a response from Israel regarding the proposal. There is no set deadline for the response, but Israel is reportedly considering the matter, and a quick and positive reply is hoped for.

Al-Ansari expressed hope for a swift agreement and immediate implementation, emphasizing that “there are no real guarantees on the ground except the commitment of both parties to implement the agreement.” The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman is in contact with Witkoff, and “there is a positive atmosphere” regarding the negotiations. Over the past three days, negotiations in Cairo have involved Hamas ensuring the participation of all factions to present a unified stance and avoid accusations of sabotaging talks or exposing Gaza residents to military escalation. According to Al Jazeera journalist Tamer Al-Mashal, the new proposal includes the exchange of 10 live Israeli prisoners and 18 bodies for 1,700 Palestinian prisoners, including 45 serving life sentences and 15 with long sentences. The proposal calls for the release of 8 live Israeli prisoners at the start of a 60-day truce during which negotiations for a comprehensive war ceasefire will take place.

Two more prisoners will be released on the 50th day of the truce, with Israeli bodies released gradually. Of the 1,700 Palestinian prisoners covered by the agreement, 1,500 are Gaza prisoners arrested by the occupation after October 7, 2023. Hamas requested Israeli approval before giving a Palestinian response, but mediators pledged to proceed with this path. The occupation forces are scheduled to withdraw to 1,000 meters from the border with Gaza and 1,200 meters from populated areas to allow necessary aid to enter northern and southern Gaza. Israel insisted on maintaining a 1,200-meter distance in some areas like Beit Hanoun and Shuja’iyya, which Hamas accepted to save residents from starvation. Mediators pledged to work to prevent a return to war if no agreement is reached during the proposed two-month truce, although this clause is not included in the agreement.

An informed source told Al Jazeera that the current proposal is the best solution to spare Gaza residents from military escalation, with a 60-day ceasefire and repositioning of occupation forces to enable aid delivery. Israel has neither accepted nor rejected the proposal, while the Israeli site Walla quoted military sources saying about 80,000 Israeli soldiers will participate in besieging Gaza City. A senior military official considered the occupation of Gaza City to be extensive and posing a significant risk to the Israeli army.