Israel is studying Hamas’ response to a proposal that could include a deal on the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza, Israel’s Mossad spy agency said.
“Hostage deal negotiators have given the negotiating team a draft of Hamas’ response to the hostage deal. Israel is considering the response and will respond to the mediators,” said a statement issued by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on behalf of Mossad.
Mediators including Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been trying for months to secure a ceasefire and the release of the 120 hostages still being held in Gauzebut their efforts are paralyzed.
Hamas exchanged “some ideas” with mediators
Meanwhile, a Hamas source said tonight that the Palestinian Islamist movement had “exchanged some ideas with the mediating brothers” about ending Israel’s war on Gaza, without giving further details.
Hamas said it had sent mediators new “ideas” to end the war in the Gaza Strip, which has been plagued by nearly nine months of conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement.
Israel confirmed it was “evaluating comments” from Hamas on a deal to free hostages held in Gaza and that it would respond to mediators.
Sources: AMPE, AFP, Reuters