Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have submitted an updated ceasefire proposal to both Hamas and the Israeli occupation, according to a detailed report by Israeli Channel 12 on Wednesday. The revised framework aimed to revive stalled negotiations and secure a comprehensive agreement that includes a temporary truce, prisoner-captive exchange, and scaled-down military presence in the Gaza Strip.

The report identifies two major changes in the new draft: adjustments to the scope of the Israeli military withdrawal and slight modifications in the prisoner exchange formula, often described as a key talking point.

The proposal outlines a 60-day ceasefire period, during which Hamas would release 10 living Israeli captives and 18 bodies. In turn, "Israel" would free several Palestinian detainees and allow for a significant surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza.

While the exchange ratios remain largely intact, the new version introduces minor alterations. Earlier drafts had specified the release of 125 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,111 others detained after October 7. An unnamed Israeli official cited by Channel 12 said that while "the changes are not expected to derail the talks," the key point of contention now lies in negotiating the exact list of names.

IOF withdrawal

One of the most significant developments involves a notable shift in the Israeli occupation's military posture in southern Gaza. Previously, "Israel" demanded to maintain control over a 5-kilometer-wide zone north of the Philadelphi Corridor, adjacent to the Egyptian border.

The updated proposal, however, reduces that figure to a 1.5-kilometer-wide strip, a move that, according to Channel 12, "comes very close to Hamas’ demand" for a return to pre-March 2025 positions.

Moreover, Israeli sources indicated a willingness to restrict their military presence along the broader Gaza border to a 1-kilometer "buffer zone", another step toward compromise that aligns more closely with Hamas’ position.

Sticking point: humanitarian aid mechanisms

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While progress appears possible on military and prisoner issues, humanitarian aid delivery remains contentious. Channel 12 reported that Hamas has rejected the use of the current US- and Israeli-backed humanitarian fund, objecting to its lack of neutrality and transparency.

In response, a parallel negotiation track has been launched in Egypt, exploring the possibility of Cairo assuming a central role in coordinating and distributing aid during the ceasefire period. 

Looking ahead, all eyes are on Doha, where Qatar’s prime minister is scheduled to meet Hamas' leadership this Saturday in a bid to secure approval for the revised framework.

A source close to the negotiations told Channel 12: "Qatari mediators believe Israel’s flexibility on the withdrawal issue could open the door to a deal.” However, the source cautioned that Hamas is expected to respond with counterpoints and reservations, though these are not expected to be deal-breakers.

Resistance's resilience shapes talks with 'Israel': Exclusive

On a related note, Hani al-Dali, a Resistance affairs analyst for Al Mayadeen, stated last Sunday that the Palestinian Resistance's unwavering resolve and refusal to accept Israeli frameworks have shaped the negotiation process.

Al-Dali stressed that the Palestinian Resistance’s steadfastness and battlefield persistence have compelled "Israel" to rethink its earlier withdrawal plans, initially presented during negotiations, having sought to maintain Israeli military presence in parts of the Gaza Strip.

He further noted that the high-impact operations carried out on the ground, such as the widely circulated image of a Resistance fighter planting an explosive device inside an Israeli tank, have significantly pressured the Israeli military establishment. These operations deliver an unmistakable message to the political leadership and public that the army cannot accomplish its goals in Gaza, given the relentless attrition and deteriorating troop morale.

Al-Dali also pointed out that the Palestinian Resistance's strong military performance has directly impacted the negotiation process, forcing the occupation, under mediator pressure, to discuss modifying its withdrawal plans.

Palestinian Resistance's stance on a ceasefire deal

On the Palestinian Resistance's position on ceasefire negotiations, al-Dali said it was made clear that no discussion regarding captive-related matters will occur unless three key conditions are met: a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the entry of aid according to the humanitarian protocol agreed upon in January, and clear guarantees to halt the aggression against Gaza, with negotiations continuing beyond the sixty days without a return to attacks on the territory.

The Resistance affairs analyst stressed that Hamas has made it unequivocally clear: negotiations cannot proceed based on maps that include provisions for Israeli forces to remain in parts of Gaza or for the forced displacement of Rafah's residents, whether northward or outside Gaza.

Al-Dali noted that the leaked maps have caused frustration in "Israel" and the US, as they revealed Netanyahu's true intentions: avoiding any meaningful withdrawal while pushing for a prisoner agreement without offering substantial political compromises, a stance now laid bare before mediators.

He concluded by stating that the Palestinian Resistance considers the January 17 map as the only viable framework for negotiations, emphasizing that any attempt to introduce new maps that fail to guarantee a full withdrawal and a permanent ceasefire would be rejected outright and stands no chance of acceptance.