What’s happening

Apeace proposal offered by Qatar suggests deporting Hamas leaders and releasing hostages in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. The significant plan would potentially put an end to ongoing hostilities. According to a Channel 13 report, this move could unfold progressively and would require a coordinated release of all captives held for over three months in harsh conditions.

Why it matters

The proposal comes at a crucial time, as increasing pressure mounts on the Israeli war cabinet to prioritize the safe return of hostages over other issues. The subsequent Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) pullout from Gaza represents a critical moral and strategic decision in the conflict.

The war cabinet’s session

Israel’s war cabinet is scheduled to convene on Wednesday at 6 p.m. to examine the said proposal. The details will challenge the ministers to weigh the imperatives of national security against the urgency of humanitarian concerns.

Humanitarian aid in play?

On a related note, the topic of expanding humanitarian aid to Philadelphi corridor residents and the Gazan populace has also been under discussion, partially propelled by the Biden administration’s urging for enhanced support. An elevation of aid parameters was a focal point during a recent senior IDF official’s visit to Cairo, although breakthroughs on the hostage situation are yet to materialize.

The broader impact

If the deal is accepted, it could dictate a reshaping of regional policies, grant a reprieve to affected civilians in Gaza, and alter the nature of Israeli-Hamas engagements moving forward, marking a potential pivot in geopolitical terms as well.

This story was first published on jpost.com.