Why it matters: While the proposal doesn’t include an agreement to end the fighting, it is the longest period of ceasefire that Israel has offered Hamas since the start of the war.
Driving the news: More than 130 hostages are still being held in Gaza. Israeli officials say several dozen hostages either died on Oct. 7 or in the weeks since then.
Behind the scenes: Two Israeli officials said the Israeli war cabinet approved 10 days ago the parameters of a new proposal for a hostage deal, which are different from past aspects of deals rejected by Hamas and more forward-leaning than previous Israeli proposals.
- Israeli officials said they are waiting for a response from Hamas but stressed they are cautiously optimistic about the ability to make progress in the coming days.
Details: The officials said Israel proposed the overall period of pause for the completion of the release of all hostages in the different phases could reach up to two months.
What they’re saying: White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Monday that President Biden supports a pause in the fighting that would enable the release of hostages and the entry of more humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Between the lines: Israeli officials said they are ready to release a significant number of Palestinian prisoners if Hamas agrees to the offer.ARTICLE HERE