U.S. negotiators are making headway on a potential deal in which Israel would halt military operations against Hamas in Gaza for two months in exchange for the release of over 100 hostages taken in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. This information comes from two senior administration officials who preferred to remain anonymous. The deal is expected to unfold in two phases: first, a cessation of fighting to allow the release of remaining women, elderly, and wounded hostages by Hamas. Subsequently, Israel and Hamas would aim to negotiate the release of Israeli soldiers and civilian men during the first 30 days of the pause. Moreover, Israel would also permit more humanitarian aid into Gaza. Though the proposed deal won’t end the war, it is seen as a potential foundation for a lasting resolution to the conflict. The New York Times reported that progress had been made in reaching an agreement for a ceasefire in exchange for the remaining hostages. CIA director Bill Burns is anticipated to share details about the emerging agreement during his upcoming meeting in France with David Barnea, the head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel. President Joe Biden recently spoke with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Qatar’s ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, with a focus on the hostage situation. The White House stressed the importance of reaching a hostage deal to establish a prolonged humanitarian pause in the fighting and ensure additional life-saving humanitarian assistance reaches civilians in need throughout Gaza. If progress is made in the talks in France, Biden may dispatch a senior adviser to the Mideast swiftly to help finalize an agreement. The White House and CIA have not confirmed Burns’ meeting in France, and they have been cautious about the possibility of quickly brokering a deal. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby cautioned on Friday that no imminent developments should be anticipated. Biden and his team are aware of the mounting Palestinian death toll and widespread suffering in Gaza, which has led to frustration among some in his Democratic base who want to see increased pressure on Israel to end the war. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the offensive until complete victory over Hamas is achieved and faces increasing pressure from the families of many hostages who demand their release. The Oct. 7 attack claimed about 1,200 lives in Israel and resulted in the abduction of around 250 people by Hamas and other militants. Approximately 100 hostages were released under a weeklong ceasefire deal in November in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. However, about 130 hostages remain captive, and some have since been confirmed dead. Hamas has stated that it will only free more captives in exchange for an end to the war and the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners.___Miller reported from Columbia, South Carolina. AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee contributed to this report.
