Egypt has reportedly submitted a hostage ceasefire proposal to Hamas, which includes the release of approximately eight hostages in exchange for a ceasefire lasting "between 40 to 70 days," Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported on Monday, citing an Egyptian source familiar with the details.
"It will be very difficult to accept the proposal as it stands now, due to highly problematic demands from Hamas regarding Phase two and discussions about ending the war," a source familiar with the details of the proposal told The Jerusalem Post.
"We prefer to work discreetly. There are ongoing contacts with the mediators, and we are continuously acting to bring the hostages back," an Israeli official told the Post.
A senior Hamas delegation is expected to arrive in Cairo in the coming hours to discuss the Egyptian proposal, according to Qatari newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
The Tikva Forum responded to the proposed deal
The Tikva Forum, which represents some families of hostages, released a statement condemning the report, saying, "You do not have the right to sign a deal that does not include everyone."
"You do not have the right to make a selection among the hostages, you do not have the right to negotiate only for some of the hostages in Gaza,” the statement read.
Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported that Egypt “expects the United States to express support for the mediation proposal” through Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Additionally, Egyptian sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that during Macron's visit to Egypt, his meetings would focus, among other things, on examining ways to apply further diplomatic pressure on Israel.