A senior U.S. official has indicated that negotiators are close to reaching a deal between Israel and Hamas, with plans for a ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas included in the agreement. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has contradicted this claim, stating that there is no deal in progress and that they are not close to reaching an agreement.
Amidst this uncertainty, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and a prominent Palestinian figure have put forth a new plan to address the ongoing conflict. Olmert believes that Israel is at a potential turning point and emphasizes the need for a deal to be made. He expresses trust in the White House's proposed deal, suggesting that Netanyahu's reluctance to agree stems more from personal and political motivations rather than genuine concerns for national security.
Olmert points out that key figures within Israel, including former coalition partners and military leaders such as Gantz and Eisenkot, have dismissed Netanyahu's reasons for hesitance as unfounded. They argue that ending the conflict with Gaza and pursuing a new direction is essential for reaching a lasting agreement.
The proposed plan aims to bring an end to the hostilities between Israel and Gaza, potentially signaling a shift towards a more peaceful resolution. As tensions continue to escalate and protests erupt in Israel following the tragic murder of six hostages, the need for decisive action and diplomatic efforts becomes increasingly urgent.