Overview

• Hamas approved a mediator proposal for a roughly two-month pause that includes phased hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and increased aid, with partial Israeli redeployment inside Gaza.
• Specifics discussed by officials include releasing 10 living and 18 deceased hostages in exchange for 200 Palestinian convicts plus some women and minors, alongside more humanitarian access.
• Israeli officials say the government is studying Hamas’ reply and will convene on the offer, while reiterating cabinet guidelines that require the release of all 50 remaining hostages to end the war.
• Qatar and Egypt, citing a plan nearly identical to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s framework, have invited him to rejoin talks and cautioned that any deal would not be implemented instantaneously.
• Fighting continued across Gaza as Israel advanced around Gaza City’s outskirts and health authorities reported new civilian deaths, with UN-backed figures citing more than 62,000 killed and escalating hunger despite aid deliveries that remain below stated needs.