US, Qatar, Egypt Propose New Language for Gaza Hostage Deal

Jun 30, 2024, 04:29 AM

The United States is actively working to finalize a hostage deal in Gaza by proposing new language for the agreement, according to Axios. Sources with direct knowledge of the talks indicate that the U.S. is collaborating with Qatar and Egypt to amend the text, which will include post-deal talks for the second phase of the agreement. Hamas spokesman Osama Hamdan noted that the U.S. is pressuring Hamas to accept a ceasefire without a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The fact that Hamas has not outright rejected the proposal suggests a potential softening of their position. Hamas wants the negotiations to focus on how many and which hostages will be released.