US pushes for extended Gaza ceasefire, captives deal in Doha: Axios
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The previous ceasefire expired on March 1, but while active fighting has not resumed, "Israel" has halted humanitarian assistance to Gaza and continued to bomb civilians in Gaza.
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Boats with flags of quarterfinal participating countries pass the skyline of Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Axios on Thursday reported that White House envoy Steve Witkoff has introduced an updated US proposal aimed at extending the ceasefire in Gaza for several weeks. The proposal, presented to mediators in Doha, seeks to secure the recovery of additional captives held by Hamas while allowing humanitarian aid deliveries to resume. Four sources with direct knowledge of the discussions confirmed the details to Axios.
The plan, according to two sources, is part of an effort by the Trump administration to prolong negotiations and prevent a return to hostilities during the holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover.
The previous ceasefire expired on March 1, but while active fighting has not resumed, "Israel" has halted humanitarian assistance to Gaza and continued sporadic bombings which left dozens of civilians martyred during this period.
There are currently 59 captives still being held in Gaza, and Israeli and US officials believe that 22 of them, including US citizen Edan Alexander, are alive.
Witkoff arrived in Doha on Tuesday night, where he engaged in talks with Qatari and Egyptian mediators, as well as Israeli negotiators present in the Qatari capital. He also held discussions with Qatar's prime minister and foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, a senior UAE official and an advisor to the Palestinian president took part in a meeting that addressed Egypt's proposed post-war plan for Gaza.
His visit followed direct negotiations last week between Trump's hostage envoy, Adam Boehler, and Hamas' lead negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, a development that Axios first reported. However, Witkoff did not meet with any Hamas representatives during his time in Doha.
The proposal
Sources said the revised US plan suggests extending the ceasefire until after April 20, when Passover concludes, and resuming humanitarian aid shipments to Gaza.
As part of the deal, Hamas would be expected to release at least five living captives along with the remains of around nine deceased captives on the first day of the renewed truce, according to one individual with knowledge of the discussions.
An earlier version of the proposal, presented two weeks ago, sought the release of approximately 10 living captives and around 18 deceased individuals. Under the updated terms, "Israel" and Hamas would use the extended ceasefire to negotiate a broader, long-term truce. Should such an agreement be reached, Hamas would release all remaining captives at the conclusion of the ceasefire, paving the way for a sustained de-escalation.
Read more: Hamas says approaching new round of Gaza ceasefire talks positively
A spokesperson for Witkoff has not yet responded to Axios' request for comment. However, according to a source familiar with the talks, "Israel" has provided Witkoff with a favorable response to the updated plan.
On Wednesday night, Qatari and Egyptian mediators relayed the proposal to Hamas representatives in Doha, and they are now waiting for the group's reply.
“Hamas had rejected similar proposals before but they also want to avoid going back to fighting during Ramadan,” one source told Axios.
