US optimistic that Gaza deal will be made in coming days - Here are main points of contention

The U.S. administration believes that its proposal could lead to the signing of a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement within days – possibly even by early next week. This was reported Thursday morning on "This Morning" on KAN Reshet Bet. According to sources familiar with the matter, the administration is very optimistic about the proposal presented to the parties.

The main point of contention lies in the wording related to U.S. guarantees to Hamas. According to sources, the new framework stipulates that the ceasefire will continue even if no agreement is reached on ending the war – but only under certain conditions.

A senior Hamas source told the pro-Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat this morning that a new proposal based on the Witkoff plan was presented to the terror group, and that there were several points of agreement regarding the release of hostages and a ceasefire.

According to the report, there is still a disagreement about how the hostages will be released – whether half will be released on the first day and the rest on the last, or if the gap between the two stages will be narrowed to ensure the success of the process.

According to the Hamas source, the framework offered and accepted by the group includes immediate negotiations based on a permanent ceasefire and a “gradual withdrawal” of IDF forces from the Gaza Strip. He stated that the ceasefire offered to Hamas is temporary and would last between 60 and 70 days, compared to the terror group's demand for a 90-day ceasefire.

U.S. envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said last night that the United States would publish a new framework for ending the fighting and returning the hostages. He added that a memorandum of understanding would be submitted to President Trump for review and said, "I have a very good feeling about reaching a long-term solution."

Earlier yesterday, Hamas claimed it had reached an agreement with Witkoff on a "general framework for a ceasefire agreement and complete IDF withdrawal from the Strip, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the appointment of a professional committee to manage the territory."

According to the terror group’s statement, the agreement includes the release of ten hostages and several bodies in exchange for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian terrorists, under the guarantee of the mediators. Hamas said it is awaiting a final response to this proposal.

In contrast, Israeli sources said there is no new U.S. proposal on the table, and that the latest developments are likely just another Hamas response to the proposal from the American-Palestinian mediator Bishara Bahbah.

Additionally, in recent days Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu caused a stir when he released a video responding to reports of progress in ceasefire and hostage release talks, saying, “I very much hope we can announce something on this matter – if not today, then tomorrow.” His office later clarified: “The intention was not for today or tomorrow specifically, but rather to reflect ongoing efforts to reach a deal for the release of our hostages.”