"Israel and Hamas Await Response to US-Proposed Hostage Deal in Qatar Talks"
Israel has reportedly agreed to a US "bridging proposal" on the exchange of Palestinian prisoners for hostages held by Hamas, with CIA Director Bill Burns facilitating the agreement in talks between the two parties in Doha, Qatar. The delegations are now awaiting a response from Hamas, with outstanding issues including aid entry and Israeli military repositioning in Gaza. The exact changes to the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released remain unclear, but an agreement, if reached, is expected to occur in multiple phases, with the first stage potentially involving the release of women, elderly, sick, and wounded hostages.
