On Saturday, Israel expressed cautious optimism regarding a potential prisoner exchange deal, while four European countries announced their support for mediation efforts aimed at ending the ongoing war in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office revealed that the negotiating team had briefed him on the status of the Doha talks related to the hostage deal. Netanyahu's office emphasized the hope that pressure from Washington and other mediators on the Hamas movement would facilitate acceptance of an American proposal, leading to a breakthrough in negotiations.
The Israeli delegation returned from a two-day round of negotiations in Doha, where the United States proposed a new agreement. Although Hamas criticized the proposal, Israeli media reported that it contained points unacceptable to Netanyahu. Previous negotiations revealed that Netanyahu had set conditions for an agreement, including maintaining control over key areas and imposing restrictions on the return of residents to northern Gaza, conditions that Hamas vehemently opposes.
Following the Doha talks, demonstrations erupted in Tel Aviv, with citizens urging Netanyahu to finalize a prisoner exchange agreement with Hamas. New details emerged indicating that Tel Aviv had agreed to lessen its objections to the number of Palestinian prisoners released in exchange for an increased number of hostages freed weekly during the initial six-week phase of the agreement. American officials, including President Joe Biden, are pushing for a ceasefire and the release of detainees by the end of next week, while also working to deter Iran and Hezbollah from escalating tensions against Israel.
In a related development, a statement from the foreign ministers of Britain, France, Germany, and Italy expressed strong support for the ongoing mediation efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. The four countries called for all parties to engage constructively in the negotiation process and to avoid any escalation that could jeopardize peace efforts.
- The American news site Axios reported that Tel Aviv is willing to compromise on the number of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a more significant release of hostages. This adjustment aims to facilitate a smoother negotiation process and address the urgent humanitarian needs in the region. Meanwhile, Hamas has been vocal about its demands, insisting that any agreement must halt the ongoing aggression and ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, along with provisions for urgent humanitarian relief.
- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit Israel to reinforce America's commitment to Israeli security and to continue negotiations aimed at concluding an agreement regarding Gaza. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions expected to take place in Cairo next week to further advance the peace process.
