Hamas source reveals ostensible new details of truce-hostage proposal — report

The Saudi-owned Asharq news outlet reports ostensible new details of the latest truce-hostage release proposal submitted by the US in Doha, as revealed by a Hamas source.

The elements are somewhat different from those reported by Hebrew media on Saturday, which were based on unnamed officials familiar with the talks.

According to the Hamas source quoted by Asharq, the American “bridging proposal” includes the following points:

• The IDF would maintain a reduced presence at the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, but would not withdraw, as previously indicated;
• The Palestinian Authority would be returned to manage the Rafah border crossing between the Strip and Egypt under unspecified “Israeli supervision”;
• Israel would be able to monitor the displaced people returning to their homes in northern Gaza and crossing the Netzarim Corridor. No details are given on how the monitoring would be conducted. Under Israel’s May 27 proposal, the IDF would be required to withdraw from the Netzarim area in the first six-week phase of the deal;
• A large number of the Palestinian security prisoners freed in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages would be deported abroad;
• Israel would have the right to veto at least 100 names of Palestinian prisoners whose release Hamas demands;
• Israel would not be expected to withdraw fully from the Strip, even though this was insisted upon by Hamas in its July 2 proposal;
• A permanent truce would only be discussed in the second phase of the ceasefire, and if Hamas does not agree to the Israeli conditions, the IDF would be allowed to resume military operations inside the Strip.
• Negotiations on Gaza’s reconstruction and on the lifting of the blockade would also be discussed in the second phase, based on the outcome of the first one.