Jerusalem
CNN
–
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN that the ceasefire and accommodation contract for Gaza are now on the table with a path to end the war, urging Hamas to embrace it.
The proposal will reveal half of those who died and half of those who died in exchange for a temporary ceasefire before negotiations begin for a comprehensive agreement to end the war.
He refused to specify how long that temporary ceasefire would last. This was an important issue in negotiations.
“Israel agrees to a temporary ceasefire/hostage contract that sees half its livelihood and half the return of the deceased, leading to substantial negotiations to find a way to a permanent ceasefire. “That transaction is on the table. Hamas should take it.”
He said Hamas has not yet accepted the deal.
Witkoff’s comments on CNN were marked only when he said he would do the main negotiating for the end of the war during a temporary ceasefire.
Hamas has long sought assurances that Israel will seriously engage in negotiations to end the war if Israel agrees to another temporary ceasefire after refusing to do so during the final truce. Witkoff’s involvement in negotiating a permanent ceasefire appears to be aimed at providing Hamas with assurances from Washington that Israel will engage in such negotiations in the future.
Reuters reported Monday that Hamas agreed to a proposal to see 10 hostages in two groups in exchange for a 70-day truce. Witkov told CNN it was not his proposal.
“What I saw is completely unacceptable,” Witkov said, referring to the report.
Meanwhile, Palestinian officials close to negotiations also told CNN that Hamas agreed with Witkov’s proposal but did not provide additional details about what comes with the deal.
CNN contacted the Israeli government for comment.
