Mediator Qatar optimistic about new proposal; Israeli PM faces increasing pressure to end war

Mediator Qatar optimistic about new proposal; Israeli PM faces increasing pressure to end war

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JERUSALEM - A senior Israeli official on Aug 19 said the government stood firm on its call for the release of all hostages in any future Gaza ceasefire deal, after Hamas accepted a new truce proposal.

Mediators are awaiting an official Israeli response to the plan, a day after Hamas signaled its readiness for a fresh round of talks aimed at ending nearly two years of war.

Mediator Qatar expressed guarded optimism for the new proposal, noting that it was "almost identical" to an earlier version agreed to by Israel.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior Israeli official told AFP the government's stance had not changed and demanded the release of all hostages as part of any deal.

The two foes have held on-and-off indirect negotiations throughout the war, resulting in two short truces during which Israeli hostages were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, but they have ultimately failed to broker a lasting ceasefire.

Qatar and Egypt, backed by the United States, have mediated the frequent rounds of shuttle diplomacy.

Egypt said on Aug 18 that it and Qatar had sent the new proposal to Israel, adding "the ball is now in its court".

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said on Aug 19 that Hamas had given a "very positive response, and it truly was almost identical to what the Israeli side had previously agreed to".

"We cannot make any claims that a breakthrough has been made. But we do believe it is a positive point," he added.