For the first time since the current negotiations commenced, Palestinian Arab officials participating in the discussions regarding a potential hostage release voiced cautious optimism on Friday. In a conversation with Kan 11 News, these sources expressed hope that a mutual understanding might soon be reached, paving the way for an agreement.
According to these insiders, Qatar and Egypt are exerting meaningful bilateral pressure to facilitate a deal, with the United States playing an active role in driving the mediators forward. They also noted that Turkey, which has recently stepped up its involvement, is applying pressure on Hamas to come to terms with Israel.
The officials highlighted a sense of exhaustion within Hamas but observed similar signs of weariness on the Israeli side. This mutual fatigue, combined with the external pressure and encouragement from mediators, is believed to foster a conducive environment for significant progress in the talks.
An Israeli insider, cited in the report, mentioned advancements in discussions between Israel and Hamas concerning a phased hostage release during the humanitarian phase of the agreement. As per foreign sources, the talks are centered on releasing some of the hostages, with the initial emphasis placed on freeing the female captives first, consistent with earlier proposals.
Mediators are optimistic that a limited agreement for hostage release could set off a chain reaction, ultimately leading to a comprehensive resolution. This envisioned outcome includes the liberation of all captives, cessation of the conflict, and the withdrawal of forces—even from strategic locations like the Philadelphi Corridor.
In parallel, an Israeli official, speaking to Channel 12 News, remarked, “An agreement within a month is not unreasonable. Progress is being made in the negotiations every day, but we are still waiting for a breakthrough.”
On Thursday, The Wall Street Journal reported that Hamas is edging closer to an agreement with Israel. Notably, the report revealed that, for the first time, Hamas has expressed a willingness to strike a deal allowing Israeli forces to remain stationed in Gaza, including the Philadelphi Corridor along the southern boundary.
Hamas also provided the mediators with a list of the remaining hostages, a significant shift from its earlier refusal to do so since the breakdown of the initial ceasefire.
During prior rounds of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, the United States advocated for a ceasefire and hostage release framework initially proposed by President Joe Biden in May. However, Hamas rejected this and all subsequent proposals.
More recently, Hamas issued an official statement indicating its openness to a resolution that would bring the war—sparked by its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023—to an end. Nonetheless, the statement reiterated Hamas’ demand that any deal must encompass both the cessation of hostilities and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
{Matzav.com}