In an unprecedented move, Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad, announced on Wednesday night that they are carefully evaluating Hamas' latest response to a three-phase proposal aimed at securing the release of the remaining 120 hostages in Gaza. The proposal, mediated by Qatar and Egypt with the support of the United States, has been a center of diplomatic efforts to end the prolonged conflict.

According to the Mossad, the mediators have conveyed Hamas' remarks on the outline of the hostage deal. However, an Israeli security source highlighted that there are still significant gaps that need to be addressed. One major sticking point is Hamas' insistence on a clause that would prevent Israel from returning to fight after the first phase of the proposal, which is deemed unacceptable by Israel.

The United States, led by President Joe Biden, has taken a prominent role in the negotiations and presented the latest proposal from the White House on May 31. While Hamas had initially rejected the proposal, the US, along with Egypt and Qatar, is diligently working to bridge the gaps and reach a viable agreement.

In the midst of these discussions, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) claimed that some hostages had attempted suicide due to extreme frustration caused by their government's neglect of their cause. The PIJ's spokesperson, Abu Hamza, emphasized that they would treat Israeli hostages the same way Israel treats their prisoners. However, the group did not provide specific details about measures taken against the hostages.

The Hamas-controlled enclave has been demanding a permanent ceasefire before initiating the three-phased deal, which Israel has firmly rejected. As part of the proposal, the release of 33 hostages would be facilitated during the first stage, followed by the decision on a permanent ceasefire at the beginning of the second phase. Hamas also insists on a complete withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from the enclave, a demand that Israel has dismissed.

In the ongoing efforts to secure a deal, US Ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew, emphasized the importance of reaching a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. He conveyed that the plan offers an opportunity to end the war, recover the hostages, and ensure that Hamas no longer governs Gaza. President Isaac Herzog reaffirmed Israel's commitment to bring the hostages home, expressing gratitude for the efforts made by Ambassador Lew and President Biden.

The Hostage and Missing Families Forum, representing the families affected by the hostage crisis, continues to express frustration over the delay in reaching a deal and urges the Israeli government to take immediate action. The mothers of those held in Gaza have planned a special march in Tel Aviv on Friday, demanding the release of their children.

As Israel evaluates Hamas' response, the nation's focus remains fixed on the hostages, with widespread support for a deal that would ensure their safe return. The expectation for a resolution is at the heart of the Israeli consensus, with the government facing mounting pressure to bring an end to the prolonged hostage crisis.