Report: Key clause of hostage deal would allow truce to extend if sides agree on terms and duration

A clause in the new hostage and ceasefire framework proposed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff could pave the way for a breakthrough agreement between Hamas and Israel, Channel 12 reports this evening.

According to the report, the outline includes a clause stating that if negotiations over a permanent ceasefire are not concluded within the 60-day period of the temporary truce, the ceasefire may be extended, provided both sides agree on the terms and duration.

Clause 10 of the accord, as later confirmed to The Times of Israel, indeed, states: “The negotiation on the necessary arrangements for a permanent ceasefire should be completed within 60 days. Upon agreement, the remaining hostages (living and deceased) from the “list of 58” provided by Israel will be released.”

The same clause goes on to say, however: “In case negotiations on arrangement for a permanent ceasefire are not concluded within the aforementioned time period, the temporary ceasefire may be extended under conditions and for a duration to be agreed upon by the parties so long as the parties are negotiating in good faith.”

Clause 11 elaborates on the point, as regards ongoing guarantees: “The mediators-guarantors (US, Egypt, Qatar) will guarantee that the ceasefire will continue for the 60-day period and for any agreed upon extension, will guarantee that serious discussions will be held on the necessary agreements for a permanent ceasefire and will make every effort to ensure the completion of the above-mentioned negotiations.”