According to reports, Hamas wrote President Donald Trump a letter outlining a deal: the immediate release of half of the prisoners the group currently has in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza.
According to reports, the letter is on its way to the White House this week after passing through mediators in Qatar. Which hostages will be released and what assurances Hamas would demand in exchange for halting hostilities are among the details being negotiated.
According to sources, there are 48 hostages left, but just 20 are thought to be alive by Israeli and American officials. As Israeli military actions escalate, the suggestion reflects mounting international pressure to find a way toward a truce.
Trump has repeatedly demanded that the captives be released in full and pushed Hamas to agree to any conditions that would ensure their prompt return. The news gives the ongoing negotiations to end the conflict or at least lessen its toll a new dimension.