Israeli official: Talks in Doha on Gaza are centered on ‘Witkoff proposal’

Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

Israel is focused on the so-called “Witkoff proposal” during ongoing talks in Qatar on the future of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, an Israeli official tells The Times of Israel.

The outline — said to have been created in talks between Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff — envisions a roughly two-month extension of the ceasefire, during which Hamas would release about half of the living hostages up front, and the rest at the end along with an end to the war.

The Israeli negotiating team is scheduled to return home tonight, says the official, but could remain in Doha if there is a breakthrough.

“Witkoff landed last night,” says the official. “Let’s see if there are any developments, and we’ll see if there is a reason to stay there. If there is, they’ll stay.”

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