Qatar recently submitted a proposal drafted with Hamas regarding a hostage deal based on the outline by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, two people familiar with the matter told The Jerusalem Post Thursday.
The security cabinet, which was to convene Thursday evening, was expected to discuss Qatar’s mediation document. If by the end of the discussions, there is a consensus that the document enables progress, Israel may send a delegation for further talks in Qatar or Egypt, the sources said.
The primary challenge in the talks between Israel and Hamas is the question of what will happen on day 60 of the deal.
While Israel insists it will not agree to end the war, Hamas demands that discussions on ending the war continue beyond the 60 days until an agreement is reached while Israel maintains a ceasefire.
Qatar's proposal based on Witkoff's, but includes 'different language'
Qatar’s proposal is based on the Witkoff outline, which proposes the release of 10 hostages during a 60-day ceasefire but “contains different language and formulations.”
Witkoff has said he believes a breakthrough in the hostage deal negotiations is possible.
Sources in the administration feel that “Hamas is more willing to accept the deal’s outline, despite previously refusing any deal without an end to the war,” one of the sources said.