Israeli sources revealed on Tuesday that U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has presented a new proposal for a prisoner exchange deal aimed at paving the way for a ceasefire in Gaza, amid mounting American pressure on Israel to end the ongoing conflict.
According to Israeli daily Maariv, Witkoff discussed the proposal during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan reportedly offers a framework for a long-term ceasefire by initiating a partial prisoner exchange that could potentially ease the intractable hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
The proposed deal involves the release of half of the living Israeli hostages currently held by Hamas in Gaza, in return for a ceasefire lasting over 40 days. The agreement would also allow the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and serve as a stepping stone to negotiations aimed at permanently ending the war.
The sources expressed hope that a breakthrough could be achieved by the end of U.S. President Donald Trump’s ongoing visit to the region, although his itinerary notably excludes Israel. The proposal reportedly assumes that a comprehensive deal with the potential for a sustained truce could prompt greater flexibility from Hamas.
The disclosure of this proposal came a day after Hamas’ military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, released dual Israeli-American hostage Aidan Alexander, who had been held captive since October 7, 2023.
On Monday, Netanyahu met with Witkoff and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee to discuss the implementation of the American plan to secure the release of the remaining hostages. Netanyahu has since ordered a negotiating delegation to travel to Doha for further discussions.
Israeli media reported that Netanyahu is scheduled to hold security consultations with top defense officials and select ministers later today to review the outcome of his talks with the American envoy.
Meanwhile, reports suggest growing tensions between Netanyahu and President Trump, as Washington intensifies its pressure on the Israeli government to engage in negotiations that could end the war in Gaza.
Israel’s Channel 13 reported that Witkoff urged Netanyahu to capitalize on what he described as a “window of opportunity” in the coming days to finalize a prisoner swap agreement.
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