Washington reportedly preparing for 'last chance proposal' over hostage deal

As the war between Israel and Gaza enters its 337th day, Israeli and US officials have expressed concerns over the possibility of reaching a hostage exchange deal with Palestinian factions in Gaza.

According to sources, Washington is drafting a "last chance" proposal to present to Tel Aviv and mediators, although hopes of finalizing an agreement soon remain low.

The proposed settlement is expected to address key contentious points, including the Philadelphi Corridor between Gaza and Egypt.

The corridor remains central to ongoing discussions.

The US plan may be unveiled as early as Sunday or in the coming days.

Negotiations are reportedly centered around the release of senior Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

Hamas is said to be maintaining its original demands, with Israel estimating that over 100 hostages are still held by Hamas, some believed to have been killed.

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are set to convene a meeting with hostage negotiators on Monday, as Washington officials express outrage at Hamas and intensifies efforts for a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza.

This comes in response to the deaths of the six abducted Israelis.

Among the victims identified were Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, whose body was recovered from a Hamas tunnel in Rafah shortly after being killed.

Meanwhile, the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with over 40,900 Palestinians, primarily women and children, killed since the conflict began.

The ongoing Israeli blockade has caused severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

The war has led to allegations of genocide against Israel, which are now being examined by the International Court of Justice. Despite months of mediation efforts by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, a ceasefire remains elusive, largely due to Israel's refusal to meet Hamas' conditions to end the fighting.