Axios US reports citing Israeli authorities
On the 26th (local time), Israel reportedly expressed for the first time its willingness to discuss an end to the war during ceasefire negotiations with the Palestinian armed group Hamas, according to a U.S. report.
The American online media Axios reported on the 27th (local time), citing two Israeli officials, that a new proposal delivered by the negotiation mediator Egypt to Hamas on the 26th included Israel's readiness to make more significant concessions.
An Israeli official told Axios that Israel's new proposal includes Hamas releasing Israeli hostages on humanitarian grounds, after which Israel is willing to discuss the "restoration of sustainable calm" in the Palestinian Gaza Strip.
Israel and Hamas have been conducting hostage exchange negotiations for several months. Hamas has presented ending the war as a key issue, but Israel has rejected this.
The "restoration of sustainable calm" newly proposed by Israel is seen as similar in context to Hamas's demands, drawing attention to whether it could become a point of convergence in the negotiations. Hamas stated in a press release that it has received the new proposal and will respond after review.
Meanwhile, according to Israeli officials, the new proposal includes a willingness to discuss a sustainable ceasefire as part of a second-phase negotiation implementation following the humanitarian release of Israeli hostages.
It also contains Israel's position on Hamas's demands, such as allowing all Palestinian refugees to return to their hometowns in northern Gaza and Israel's willingness to withdraw troops from areas that divide Gaza territory and restrict movement.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
