A diplomat familiar with ceasefire deal discussions told CNN that it "is not going to be easy to convince Israelis" to agree to the terms in Hamas’ latest response, adding that he’s waiting for the Israeli reply and "not celebrating yet."
Upon receiving the latest proposal, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said that "Hamas is continuing to hold to unrealistic demands" but an Israeli delegation is being sent to Doha for further talks.
The diplomat confirmed to CNN the contours of the latest proposal that were reported by Reuters, which include:
- A release of Israeli hostages in exchange for freedom for Palestinian prisoners, 100 of whom are serving life sentences.
- In the first phase, an exchange of female, elderly, wounded, and sick Israeli hostages for 700 to 1,000 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
- A permanent ceasefire would be agreed upon after the initial exchange of hostages and prisoners, as well as a deadline for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
- Hamas says all detainees from both sides would be released in a second stage of the plan.
A diplomatic source previously told CNN that mediation efforts are moving in a positive direction "but are not there yet."