Terrorist group Hamas is offering to release all hostages allegedly kidnapped from Israel. In return, the Israeli army should keep its weapons silent for four months.
The militant group's proposal is a response to an offer made last week by Qatari and Egyptian mediators. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday to discuss the proposal. Washington has portrayed the hostage and ceasefire agreement as part of plans for a broader solution to the Middle East conflict. It should ultimately lead to reconciliation between Israel and Arab neighbors and the establishment of a Palestinian state.