Hamas leaders were, on Friday, reported to be considering a ceasefire and hostage release proposal drafted earlier this week by intelligence officials from the U.S., Egypt, Qatar and Israel.
According to Reuters, an official from Qatar — which has been among the chief negotiators between the warring parties — had indicated that Hamas has been initially supportive of the deal.
The Qatari official told Reuters that there was no deal yet, however, “Hamas has received the proposal positively,” and that Qatar was waiting for a response.
The deal currently on the table would see Israel cease all military action in the Gaza Strip for six days while Hamas gathers and delivers all remaining civilian hostages to Israel.
Depending on the success of this phase, the ceasefire would be extended to allow for all female Israeli …