by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has presented a proposal to resolve the hostage crisis, as negotiations continue in Qatar over extending the Gaza ceasefire and releasing Israeli hostages.
Witkoff’s proposal includes two rounds of hostage releases, each involving five to six living hostages and the return of five to ten bodies. In exchange, Palestinian prisoners would be released, along with a 45-50 day ceasefire. Negotiations for the deal’s next phases would continue during the ceasefire.
Additionally, humanitarian aid and electricity supplies to Gaza, previously halted by Israel, would resume.
Reportedly, Israel is pressing for the release of additional hostages but has tentatively agreed to the current proposal, described by officials as an “interim agreement” to facilitate talks on the next phase.
While Hamas has not rejected the U.S. proposal it demands an Israeli withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor and a commitment to a second negotiation phase, as outlined in the original ceasefire agreement.
The first phase of the hostage deal ended on March 1, but the ceasefire continues despite Hamas not releasing additional hostages. As of March 13, 59 hostages—24 officially confirmed alive—remain in Gaza after 523 days in captivity.
During this proposed ceasefire, Trump is expected to visit Saudi Arabia within six weeks to advance Middle East normalization and expand the Abraham Accords to include more Arab and Muslim nations.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
Latest News from Worthy News
Senate Democrats on March 26 unanimously rejected a Republican-backed amendment to the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act that would have required voters to present photo identification to cast a ballot, marking another flashpoint in the ongoing debate over election integrity.
Senate Republicans are urging Donald Trump to consider declaring a national emergency to ensure Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents are paid, as a funding standoff over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) threatens to disrupt travel during the busy spring holiday season, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is now actively focused on “dismantling Hezbollah” as part of its broader campaign against Iran, declaring the military effort remains “in full swing” despite reports suggesting otherwise.
Meta and YouTube are appealing a $6 million-plus ruling that held them liable for social media addiction.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he is extending a temporary halt on U.S. strikes targeting Iranian energy infrastructure by an additional 10 days, signaling a continued window for diplomacy amid an escalating conflict.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a forceful message during a cabinet meeting this week, declaring that Iran is at its “weakest point” even as its leadership continues aggressive actions across the region.
American churches and mission groups are preparing to bring millions of Bibles and other Christian literature into Iran despite the ongoing war in the region, Christians familiar with the plans say.