The cabinet will convene Friday at noon and discuss the response of Hamas, which this evening officially submitted its response to the mediating countries, according to Israeli media.
According to the announcement published by Hamas, the deal was intended to allow the return of the residents of Gaza to their homes and the withdrawal of the IDF from the Strip.
Qatar sent Israel an official letter via Hamas detailing the Gaza terror group's demands as part of the Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, KAN News reported on Thursday night.
Hamas said on Thursday it presented to mediators a comprehensive vision of a truce deal that is based on stopping the Israeli "aggression" against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, providing relief and aid, the return of displaced Gazans to their houses, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
The deal is expected to involve the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Israeli women, children, elderly, and ill hostages would be exchanged for the release of 700-1000 Palestinian prisoners, according to a proposal seen by Reuters. The releases would include 100 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and the release of Israeli "female recruits."
The deal outlined is expected to be done in stages. A deadline for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza would be agreed upon after the first stage, Hamas said in its proposal. All detainees from both sides would be released in the second stage of the plan.
Israeli media indicates progress
Positive developments have been made regarding the Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, Israeli media reported on Thursday evening, citing senior Israeli sources.
Channel 13 reported that Hamas had shown "slight flexibility" in its position regarding the release of its terrorists jailed in Israeli prison.
KAN News, citing more Israeli sources, reported that Israel maintains "cautious optimism" over a deal being agreed to.
Walla! cited a senior Israeli official who was optimistic that serious negotiations could begin. According to the official, "There is something with which to work here."
Prime Minister's Office responds
The Prime Minister's Office released on Thursday a statement in response, "Hamas continues to entrench itself behind unrealistic demands," it read.
The statement also noted that the war cabinet would be updated on the subject on Friday.
Barak Ravid contributed to this report.