Hamas agrees to a revised Israeli withdrawal map in Doha talks, raising hopes for a long-awaited hostage deal, as confirmed by Arab media and hinted at by President Trump.
In a significant development that may mark a turning point in the ongoing Gaza negotiations, Cairo-based Arab news outlet Al-Ghad reported early Thursday that Hamas has agreed to a newly proposed Israeli withdrawal map during recent talks in Doha. According to sources cited by the network, the revised map includes a key concession: a pullback from the strategic Morag Corridor.
The report suggests this shift came after Israel withdrew an earlier version of its map, reportedly due to pressure from U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff. The updated proposal positions IDF forces approximately 1.2 kilometers north of the Philadelphi Corridor, as well as 1.1 kilometers away from key points in Gaza’s northern and eastern regions.
While the Israeli government has yet to confirm the report officially, it aligns with the growing optimism voiced by both Israeli and American leaders.
Thursday’s negotiations are expected to focus on solidifying the framework for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Envoy Steve Witkoff is reportedly planning a trip to the region next week, possibly to announce a finalized agreement.
This news follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks during a bill signing ceremony on Wednesday, where he hinted at progress: “We have good news on Gaza,” he stated, thanking Witkoff for his work and adding that there was “good news on a couple of things we’re working on at a very high level.”
A senior Israeli political figure echoed the sentiment shortly after, noting, “More likely than not, we will reach a deal. A hostage agreement is within reach. There are still unresolved issues, but this is the course led by Prime Minister Netanyahu.”
As the diplomatic gears continue to turn, the region and the families of the hostages await confirmation—and results—with cautious hope.In a significant development that may mark a turning point in the ongoing Gaza negotiations, Cairo-based Arab news outlet Al-Ghad reported early Thursday that Hamas has agreed to a newly proposed Israeli withdrawal map during recent talks in Doha. According to sources cited by the network, the revised map includes a key concession: a pullback from the strategic Morag Corridor.
The report suggests this shift came after Israel withdrew an earlier version of its map, reportedly due to pressure from U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff. The updated proposal positions IDF forces approximately 1.2 kilometers north of the Philadelphi Corridor, as well as 1.1 kilometers away from key points in Gaza’s northern and eastern regions.
While the Israeli government has yet to confirm the report officially, it aligns with the growing optimism voiced by both Israeli and American leaders.
Thursday’s negotiations are expected to focus on solidifying the framework for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Envoy Steve Witkoff is reportedly planning a trip to the region next week, possibly to announce a finalized agreement.
This news follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks during a bill signing ceremony on Wednesday, where he hinted at progress: “We have good news on Gaza,” he stated, thanking Witkoff for his work and adding that there was “good news on a couple of things we’re working on at a very high level.”
A senior Israeli political figure echoed the sentiment shortly after, noting, “More likely than not, we will reach a deal. A hostage agreement is within reach. There are still unresolved issues, but this is the course led by Prime Minister Netanyahu.”
As the diplomatic gears continue to turn, the region and the families of the hostages await confirmation—and results—with cautious hope.
