The Bay WaveA proposed Gaza hostages- for-prisoners ‘framework’ deal, currently under negotiation by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, suggests the release of all civilian hostages held by Hamas within a six-week pause in fighting. Israel has tentatively accepted parts of the proposal, which includes the release of Palestinian prisoners at a rate of three prisoners for each hostage, a temporary repositioning of Israeli troops away from high-population areas in Gaza, and a substantial increase in humanitarian aid to he region. Described as a basic “framework,” the document envisions subsequent pauses
beyond six weeks, aiming for the release of Israeli military captives and the bodies of hostages who died in captivity. The ultimate goal is a potential permanent cessation of the ongoing conflict, which has entered its fourth month. Israel reports that 109 hostages are still held, including elderly individuals and children, along with the bodies of 27 people. David Barnea, the leader of Israel’s Mossad intelligence organization, authorized by the Israeli war cabinet for negotiations, participated in talks in Paris on Sunday, where the finalization of the framework took place. Ronen Bar, the head of Israel’s domestic intelligence service, Shin Bet, also attended the negotiations. Other key figures included CIA Director William J. Burns, Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel, and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
The current proposal, transmitted by Egypt, awaits approval from Hamas military leaders believed to be inside the enclave.
In Washington, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan held discussions on Wednesday with Ron Dermer, Israel’s minister of strategic affairs, focusing on ongoing collective efforts to secure the release of all hostages. Sullivan also met with the Qatari prime minister in Washington on Tuesday to address the hostage question.
According to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, the discussions have been constructive, and moving in the right direction. However, Kirby refrained from providing specific details about the current state of plans, emphasizing the need to avoid statements that could become sticking points in the ongoing negotiations. Kirby expressed optimism about the constructive nature of the ongoing discussions, stating, “We believe they’re moving in the right direction.” However, he refrained from divulging specific details about the current status of any plans,emphasizing the need to avoid introducing statements that could become sticking points in the negotiations.
Despite this positive outlook, officials familiar with the negotiations cautioned that, even if the framework is agreed upon, numerous details must be addressed to successfully implement a new pause. They pointed out that a previous week-long halt in the fighting, occurring in late November, resulted in the release of 105 hostages.
Mosad Chief Presented to Cabinet nine-point outline to release Israeli captives According to the Israeli news outlet Channel 12, Mossad chief David Barnea has presented a potential nine-point outline to the Israeli war cabinet for a deal to release 136 captives in Gaza. The initial phase involves the release of 35 captives in exchange for a 35-day truce, prioritizing women, the sick, injured, and elderly. Subsequent discussions could extend the truce for therelease of men and members of civil defense groups considered combatants by Hamas. The report lacks details on the total number of Palestinians in Israeli prisons but suggests a focus on the release of low-level prisoners. Israel has detained thousands, including women, children, and individuals heldunder administrative detention since the start of the conflict.
Latest developments in Israel’s campaign in Gaza: Nasser and Al-Amal hospitals in Khan Younis are reported to be depleted of food amid the ongoing Israeli siege on these medical centers, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
Palestinian officials have accused Israeli forces of conducting “execution-style” killings in Gaza, citing the discovery of 30 bodies in a mass grave with blindfolds and tied hands. A UN report indicates that unemployment in Gaza surged to nearly 80 percent in December, reflecting the extensive impact of Israel’s ongoing assault on various aspects of life.
Debates persist regarding the potential deal between Israel and Hamas, with Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasizing his refusal to accept an agreement that concludes the war or involves the release of thousands of Palestinians from Israeli prisons.
An official from Doctors Without Borders stated that Israeli forces have consistently rejected aid deliveries to north Gaza, while medical facilities have faced continuous attacks. UNRWA has suspended operations in Khan Younis due to intense fighting. Humanitarian groups are urging Western nations to restore funding to the agency, while Netanyahu has called for the “termination” of UNRWA.
US poll finds Asian-Americans think Palestinians need more support Approximately half of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders believe that the US is not sufficiently supportive of Palestinians in the ongoing Gaza conflict, as reported by the news site Axios. This demographic is a crucial voting bloc for President Joe Biden’s potential re-election in November. Forty-nine percent of this group disagrees with Biden’s handling of Israel’s conflict with Hamas, which could have a significant impact on the upcoming elections.
Former Israel Security Agency chief Ami Ayalon, in an interview with US broadcaster CNN, emphasized the importance of a two-state solution for countering Hamas. Ayalon stated, “The major defeat for Hamas is a future of two states.” He added that without discussing the prospects of a two-state solution, defeating Hamas and creating a better political horizon for both Palestinians and Israelis would be challenging. Ayalon went on to criticize Israeli leaders’ stance against a two-state solution. Prime Minister Netanyahu has come out strongly and repeatedly against any Palestinian future state, against the position of Israel’s closest ally, the US. Biden Issued Executive Order Against Violent Israel Settlers in West Bank President Joe Biden has issued an executive order aimed at addressing the actions of violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank, individuals he asserts have destabilized the region, according to a US official and a source familiar with the matter as reported by CNN. This new directive, initially disclosed by Politico and anticipated to be formally announced on Thursday, will enforce sanctions on several individuals alleged to have been involved in violent activities.
The order specifically targets four individuals accused of directly engaging in violence or intimidation within the West Bank, as outlined by a senior administration official. The accusations include instigating and leading riots, arson incidents targeting buildings, fields, and vehicles, assaulting civilians, and causing property damage.
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