Amid renewed diplomatic momentum to end the Gaza war and secure the release of Israeli hostages, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff has introduced a new framework aimed at achieving a ceasefire and removing Hamas from power, according to reports from Israel’s Channel 12.

The proposed plan, reportedly presented during President Trump’s high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia this week, has garnered support from international mediators involved in the ongoing negotiations. Israeli officials say Witkoff, a close ally of President Trump, is “personally invested” in the effort to bring the hostages home.

Sources within the Israeli government said that “President Trump made it clear that no moves will be forced on Israel against its will,” indicating that Israel will retain full autonomy over its military and diplomatic decisions.

The framework reportedly assumes that Hamas leader in Gaza, Mohammed Sinwar, has been eliminated—a claim that remains unconfirmed but widely suspected following a massive strike near the European Hospital in Gaza on Tuesday. In such a case, Israeli officials say they are prepared to delay further intensification of operations in Gaza, signaling a possible window for diplomacy.

Despite the emergence of this new proposal, Israeli leaders are continuing to adhere to Witkoff’s initial framework, and a delegation dispatched to Qatar has been instructed to operate based on that earlier plan. The delegation remains in Qatar as President Trump continues his Middle East tour, which now includes visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Meanwhile, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majid al-Asari addressed the talks on Wednesday evening, expressing cautious optimism. “The goal is to reach a ceasefire that is longer than the previous one, that will bring a greater opportunity for agreements between the sides,” he said. “There are still challenges, but President Trump’s visit got the negotiations moving.”

In a parallel development, Egyptian officials quoted by Al Arabiya reported that the United States is exerting pressure on Israel to agree to a short-term ceasefire and has informed regional mediators of its opposition to any immediate escalation of Israeli military activity in Gaza.

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