Negotiations brokered with the Palestinian movement Hamas include a potential hostage return from Gaza and the possible release of ten Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails in exchange for a one-day pause in hostilities. A radio report notes this blood-stained development.
The message indicates that, if these terms are accepted, fighting in the conflict zone could pause for about six weeks. The discussions, held in Paris with participation from the Israeli delegation and representatives of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, also covered the fate of people living in the northern Gaza Strip.
Kan reports that the talks could conclude at the start of Ramadan, around April 11, with another round of consultations planned for next week to review fresh proposals. The radio outlet adds that the first order of business would be to agree on which Palestinian detainees might be released.
An update from Paris yesterday stated that the plan includes the release of 40 hostages from Gaza.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has pledged to take strong action against Hamas, reinforcing the high-stakes nature of these negotiations. [Source: Kan News] [Paris talks, diplomats, and the involved parties are cited as named sources in Paris discussions.]