Moderate #Arab countries like #Egypt and Qatar might be better mediators than Western countries. And Egypt certainly wants long-term quiet.

Egypt presents phased hostage deal outline to end #Gaza war.

Egypt has proposed a phased hostage deal outline, involving an initial two to three-week #ceasefire in exchange for the release of 40 #Israeli hostages, Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported on Sunday.

According to the report, the second stage will involve discussions with the #Palestinian Authority about establishing a technocratic government.

The third stage will include a permanent cease-fire, a comprehensive prisoner exchange deal and #Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Sources told the newspaper that Hamas agreed to the proposal.

Meanwhile, Qatari newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported that "Egypt's vision is based on the desire to involve all Palestinian factions and find an alternative to [Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas]."