Watan-The Hebrew Channel 13 revealed that the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden is pressuring the Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza for at least four months.

This ceasefire, being formulated as part of a multi-stage deal, will include normalizing relations between Tel Aviv and Riyadh.

The channel reported that the broad outlines of the proposed deal in the first stage involve the release of 35 adult and sick prisoners and 5 female conscripts in exchange for the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners.

Likelihood of the Government Not Approving the Deal

In the second stage, the occupation will commit to releasing “heavyweight” Palestinian prisoners and withdrawing from the Gaza Strip in exchange for all remaining living captive soldiers.

Despite U.S. pressure and the hint of potential normalization with Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu is expected to face significant difficulties if he agrees to a prolonged ceasefire in the conflict, as it would effectively signal the end of the war.

There is speculation that the government may not approve the deal, especially considering statements from Likud and right-wing ministers.

Awaiting Hamas’ Response

Awaiting Hamas’ response, the Al-Aqsa TV channel quoted a Hamas leader stating that they are in the final consultation stage with Palestinian components and factions to respond to the prisoner deal and ceasefire agreement framework.

The leader mentioned that Hamas has not yet delivered its response, denying reports of the movement rejecting the ceasefire proposals.

Hamas, along with national components and factions, aims to achieve the interests of the Palestinian people in ending the war, reconstruction, and the release of prisoners, with an expected response to the recent developments.

Hamas’ Stance on Initiatives

Regarding Hamas’ stance on initiatives, earlier, Hamas leader Osama Hamdan stated that the movement has been open to discussing any initiatives or ideas leading to the cessation of aggression against the Palestinian people since the beginning of the war.

He added that Hamas received the general framework proposal discussed in a meeting in Paris, and discussions revolve around achieving a complete end to aggression and a full withdrawal of the occupation army from outside the Gaza Strip.

Hamdan further noted that the response to the proposal also hinges on delivering aid and reaching a fair exchange deal.