Greater Middle East (bbabo.net), - Israel has prepared a proposal for a two-month truce in Gaza, the goal of which is the release of prisoners held by Hamas and other Palestinian groups, but without ending the war in the strip, writes Al Jazeera.

US Special Envoy and White House Middle East Coordinator Brett McGurk went to Egypt and Qatar, trying to mediate a ceasefire deal in Gaza. In Israel itself, public pressure is increasing on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to return the hostages home.

The American and Israeli press reported late on January 22 that Israel was optimistic that a deal could be reached with US help. The plan, meanwhile, was developed by the Netanyahu government against the backdrop of intensifying hostilities in southern Gaza, Al Jazeera emphasizes.

The American portal Axios quotes statements from Israeli officials that the proposal was conveyed to Hamas through Qatari and Egyptian intermediaries. It includes a two-month truce during which all hostages in Gaza will be released.

Israeli television channels reported that the principles of the deal consist of three to four stages of the release of prisoners. It is expected that the Israeli military will withdraw from some areas of the enclave, but without stopping operations against Hamas militants.

It has already become known from various sources in Israel and the region that the proposal includes a phased release of prisoners, starting with women and people over 60 years of age.

The second phase will include the transfer of female soldiers and male soldiers whom Hamas does not consider to be military personnel. The third stage is expected to return male soldiers from captivity, as well as the bodies of those killed in Gaza.

According to the publication, during the implementation of the plan, Israeli soldiers could be redeployed from some urban areas to allow Palestinians to return home. “Of course, the question is where they will have to return,” Al Jazeera notes.

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