Efforts to revive a ceasefire in Gaza entered another uncertain phase this week, as Egypt publicly urged Israel to approve a proposal that has been accepted by Hamas. The framework, which includes a phased ceasefire and a prisoner exchange, was described by Egyptian officials as a “balanced” initiative aimed at ending the fighting and facilitating the release of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. As of Thursday, the Israeli government had not responded officially.

The proposal’s details remain largely undisclosed, but the broad contours appear similar to previous mediation attempts: a multi-stage cessation of hostilities, an exchange of prisoners, and the gradual entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Such plans have repeatedly stalled over disagreements on sequencing, particularly over whether the war would end permanently or merely pause temporarily during negotiations.

Israeli media reported that Ron Dermer, a senior aide to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and one of his most trusted envoys, met with Qatari officials in Paris earlier this week to discuss the terms. Qatar, along with Egypt and the United States, has played a central role in mediating between Hamas and Israel throughout the nearly year-long conflict.

Yet the political climate in Israel complicates any potential breakthrough. Netanyahu faces pressure from far-right members of his coalition who oppose any deal that would leave Hamas intact or end the war before the group is fully dismantled. At the same time, families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza continue to stage protests, demanding a deal be reached to bring their relatives home. Hamas, for its part, has insisted that any agreement must include a commitment to a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal—terms that Israel has, so far, refused to accept.