US, Qatari mediators shaping package of cease-fire, hostage release proposals to end war in Gaza

As it prepares to sack Gaza City, Jewish state leaders are signaling to the US that their military takeover can be halted in favor of a cease-fire and the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas, Israeli television reported Saturday.

US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators are said to be discussing a comprehensive package of proposals to end the war, which include the release of the remaining 50 hostages — 20 of which are believed to still be alive.

The deal on the table would also see full Israeli withdrawal, demilitarization of Palestinian armed groups and the exile of some Hamas military wing leaders.

A new civilian authority would be established in Gaza, according to the Times of Israel reports which cited sources familiar with the negotiations.

The three countries are hashing out the proposal among themselves, before presenting it to Israel and Hamas.

Mediators are also in intense negotiations with Israel to try and prevent the Jewish state from executing its military objective in Gaza, Saudi media reported.

Israel’s security cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan Friday to take full control of Gaza City in an effort to wipe out the terror group — a major escalation of its nearly two-year conflict.

The timeline for the Israeli operation remains unknown.

But even if the controversial plan moves ahead, Israeli TV said Tel  Aviv would be willing to suspend the operation to strike a deal.

This was amid a flurry of activity around the globe Saturday, aimed at trying to prevent further intensifying the war.

White House special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani in Spain to also discuss plans to end the war.

In Tel Aviv, mass protests for the release of the hostages drew tens of thousands of people, as speakers urged Israeli soldiers not to carry out the Gaza City takeover, the Times of Israel reported.

IDF chief of staff Eyal Zamir had warned a takeover of Gaza would imperil the remaining Israeli hostages.

Anat Angrest, whose son Matan Angrest remains among the  hostages, has called for people to protest the decision.

“It was decided to expand the war and conquer even at the cost of Matan’s life,” she wrote in a post on X. “And the silence is killing.”

“Will you be with me when I call for everything to come to a stop, to strike?”