Lebanese report: Latest hostage deal proposal includes ‘clear wording’ on ceasefire, plan for Rafah

The latest version of a proposal for a potential hostage-ceasefire deal includes “clear wording that does not allow for interpretation,” Hezbollah-linked newspaper Al-Akhbar reports.

The Lebanese outlet says the plan includes proposals prepared by CIA chief William Burns, in coordination with Qatar, Egypt and Turkey.

According to the report, the potential agreement includes a clear statement that there will be a sustainable calm during the period of negotiations between the first and second stages of the deal.

Additionally, the plan reportedly says that Israel will withdraw troops from the Rafah Crossing area in agreement with Egypt, provided there is an understanding over the management of the border point, but without having to fully withdraw from the key Philadelphi Corridor.

Israel said yesterday that it had received Hamas’s response to the latest truce-hostage deal outline, and would evaluate the document before replying.

Hamas later confirmed that it had submitted its latest demands, issuing a statement saying that it is “eager to reach an agreement to stop the war, and our communication with the mediators continues.”