(23 Jan 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Jerusalem – 23 January 2024
1. SOUNDBITE (English) Josef Federman, AP News director for Israel and Palestinian Territories:
“Egyptian officials say that Israel has offered a cease-fire plan to halt the fighting in the Gaza Strip. The officials say that Israel is offering a two month pause in fighting. During that time, Hamas would release hostages that it is holding captive in the Gaza Strip. In return, Israel would release Palestinian prisoners that it is holding. Hamas’ leaders in the Gaza Strip also would be given the opportunity to move abroad. Now, the Egyptians say that Hamas is rejecting this proposal for the time being. They want a permanent halt to the fighting. They want guarantees that Israel will remove its troops completely out of Gaza. And Hamas leaders do not want to leave Gaza. They want assurances that they can remain after the fighting ends. Now, for the time being, there’s no agreement. Egypt and Qatar, who both serve as mediators between the warring sides, are trying to bridge the gaps. For the time being, heavy fighting continues, especially in the southern Gaza Strip. Israel announced this morning that 21 soldiers have been killed in an attack yesterday. That is by far the deadliest incident of the entire war since it began in October. But such a heavy death toll could also play a part inside Israel, and put pressure on the government to quickly reach a cease-fire and end the fighting.”
STORYLINE:
A senior Egyptian official says Israel has proposed a two-month cease-fire in which Hamas would release Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
Under the proposal, Yehya Sinwar and other top Hamas leaders in Gaza would be allowed to relocate to other countries.
The official, who was not authorized to brief media and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said Hamas has rejected the proposal.
The militant group is insisting on a permanent cease-fire before any further release of hostages.
Israel’s leaders have thus far ruled that out.
The official said Hamas leaders have also refused to leave Gaza and are demanding that Israel fully withdraw from the territory and allow Palestinians to return to their homes.
The official said Egypt and Qatar, which have brokered past agreements between Israel and Hamas, are developing a multi-stage proposal to try to bridge the gaps.
The proposal would include ending the war, releasing the hostages and putting forth a vision for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israeli media have also reported on the diplomatic efforts, describing the same general outline of a potential agreement.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declined to comment on any possible talks, citing potential risks to the hostages.
Qatari officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the proposal.
White House senior adviser Brett McGurk is in the region this week to meet with Egyptian and Qatari officials to discuss hostage negotiations.
The White House has also declined comment.
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