Egypt, Qatar working on new Gaza framework to release all captives, end war: AP

CAIRO – 8 August 2025: Egyptian and Qatari mediators are working to finalize a new framework that is set to see the release of all captives still held in Gaza in a single exchange in return for a full ceasefire, the Associated Press reported, citing two Arab officials.

The efforts come while the Israeli security cabinet has approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal for seizing Gaza City, located in the north of the enclave, and imposing security control over the entire enclave.

The five-point plan also indicates the establishment of an alternative civil administration unaffiliated with either Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, disarmament of Hamas, the return of all captives, and demilitarisation of Gaza.

The scheme has drawn global backlash, including from Israel’s closest allies in the west like the United Kingdom and Germany, and has been slammed by the Israeli opposition as “a disaster.”

In the wake of the plans, two Arab officials told the Associated Press on condition of anonymity that the new framework, which has not been finalized yet, includes a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has killed more than 61,250 Palestinians in Gaza, devastated essential infrastructure including hospitals, schools and bakeries, killed hundreds of aid workers, and left the enclave on brink of famine with over 200 dead from hunger, half of them children.

Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected Hamas’ offers for the release of all captives, alive and dead, in exchange for a permanent ceasefire that paves the way for Gaza’s reconstruction and facilitates aid deliveries to starving civilians.

Last month, Israel abruptly withdrew from indirect negotiations with Hamas — mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States — which had brought a potential truce in war-torn Gaza closer than ever. At the time, the US also pulled out of the talks, accusing Hamas of not “acting in good faith” and stating it would consider "alternative options" to bring the captives home.

Hamas has slammed recent Israeli plan to occupy Gaza City and evacuate its inhabitants as a “fully-fledged war crime” that will “come at a heavy price” for the occupation.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian movement affirmed that they remain open to reaching a comprehensive deal that includes the release of all captives in one go in exchange for stopping the war and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.