White House's Race for Gaza Ceasefire Amidst Rising Tensions

The White House is urgently developing a new proposal to address a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas. The plan aims to resolve long-standing issues, including Israel's demand regarding the Philadelphi corridor and the specifics of prisoner exchanges. The situation is complicated by recent killings of hostages.

The White House is scrambling to put forward a new proposal for a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, according to sources from the U.S. and Egypt, as well as an informed official.

The proposal focuses on resolving major sticking points in the U.S.-mediated talks, including Israel's demand to maintain forces in the Philadelphi corridor and the specifics of the hostage and prisoner exchange. A senior Biden administration official stated that much of the deal is agreed upon, but negotiations continue to address these obstacles.

The urgency of reaching a truce is heightened by recent events, such as Hamas killing six hostages. CIA Director William Burns is leading the U.S. efforts, supported by senior officials like Brett McGurk and Antony Blinken. As the U.S. shifts from a consultative approach to imposing a plan, officials believe a new draft could emerge soon.

(With inputs from agencies.)