For the first time since the start of the war in Gaza, Israel is holding negotiations with Hamas on a potential agreement to end the conflict, an Israeli political source familiar with the matter told Haaretz on Saturday. "This negotiation is different than the ones that brought about the previous deals," the source was quoted as saying. "While the previous deals dealt with the release of the hostages, this deal touches on the issue of ending the war. Therefore, everything is interconnected. This is a very complex deal." According to the source, the proposed agreement includes a 60-day ceasefire during which Hamas would release 10 living Israeli hostages. The pause would also allow intensive negotiations to begin on the broader terms of ending the war. The framework under discussion reportedly outlines how the war could conclude or continue, future governance of Gaza, and the return of remaining hostages. "Within the framework of the deal, there is an entire clause that deals with issues to be discussed regarding the end of the war," the source said. "Both parties can add topics, and they will be discussed within the 60-day ceasefire." The source added that the Israeli delegation sent to Doha has "a broad scope of action and a satisfactory mandate," with enough flexibility to reach an agreement that still meets Israel's security needs. Israeli media outlets, including public broadcaster KAN, reported that Israel may send a second delegation to Doha if Hamas agrees to enter detailed discussions. Qatar, Egypt, and the United States are mediating the talks. Under the current proposal, Hamas would release 10 living hostages and 18 bodies during the two-month truce, while final negotiations over ending the war would take place. Despite remaining differences over the mechanisms for aid delivery and Israeli military presence in Gaza, Israeli officials reportedly view the deal as achievable. U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that 10 hostages in Gaza would be released soon, though he did not elaborate. Trump's administration has maintained firm support for Israel throughout the conflict. Since October 2023, several rounds of indirect talks have taken place between Israel and Hamas, resulting in partial agreements in November 2023 and January 2024. The latest attempt at a comprehensive deal was derailed on March 18, when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — who is wanted by the International Criminal Court — resumed the war. Hamas has stated it is ready to release all Israeli hostages in a single exchange if Israel ends its military campaign and withdraws from Gaza. The Israeli offensive on Gaza has killed nearly 59,000 Palestinians — mostly women and children — according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The war has also devastated the enclave's infrastructure, triggered mass displacement, and caused severe food and medicine shortages. In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also the subject of a genocide case brought by South Africa at the International Court of Justice. — Agencies
