NNA - Reuters quoted a senior source in the Hamas movement today, saying, “The movement has accepted an American proposal to begin talks on the release of Israeli detainees held by the movement in the Gaza Strip, including soldiers and men, within 16 days after the first phase of the agreement.”

The source, who requested anonymity due to the confidentiality of the talks, told Reuters: “The movement agreed to abandon the demand that Israel first commit to a permanent ceasefire before signing the agreement, and will allow this to be achieved through negotiations during a first phase lasting 6 weeks.”

A Palestinian official close to international mediation efforts said, "The proposal may lead to a framework agreement if approved by Israel and will end the war that has been ongoing for 9 months between Israel and Hamas in Gaza."

The Hamas source stated that the proposal "ensures that the mediators guarantee a temporary ceasefire agreement, the delivery of aid, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces as long as indirect talks continue to implement the second phase of the agreement."

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