US representative Witkoff proposes cease-fire, prisoner swap offer in Gaza talks

Israeli media reported that U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East Special Representative, Steve Witkoff, has proposed a new offer during ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, regarding Gaza.

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The proposal includes:

• The resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza in exchange for a limited prisoner swap.
• Talks on the second phase of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.
• A proposed extension of the ceasefire for 50 days, with the number of prisoners released to be determined by further negotiations.

Witkoff also revised an earlier proposal, suggesting the release of five living prisoners and the return of nine deceased prisoners instead of releasing 10 more prisoners as initially proposed.

Hamas parades newly-released Israeli hostages Omer Shem Tov (L) and Omer Wankert on stage in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip, as part of the seventh hostage-prisoner release on February 22, 2025. (AFP Photo)

This offer aims to cover the period of Ramadan and the Jewish Passover, with Israel expecting a positive outcome from the ongoing discussions.

However, Hamas insists on a full cessation of all attacks on Gaza and the complete withdrawal of Israel from the Gaza Strip, along with a commitment to these demands.

The negotiations are continuing, with some optimism from Israeli sources, and Hamas has stated that talks are progressing positively.