The ongoing negotiations between Israel and the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) have reached a critical juncture, with significant developments reported by multiple sources. Channel 12 quoted an Israeli official stating that Hamas' response to the proposed deal does not include a ceasefire condition in the first phase. This phase allows for the return of kidnapped elderly, children, sick, wounded, and female soldiers. However, if Hamas violates the agreement, Israel reserves the right to withdraw and resume fighting.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting pressure both domestically and internationally. The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported that Netanyahu might sacrifice the kidnappers to buy time until after his speech in Congress. US President Joe Biden is also expected to call Netanyahu to push for the acceptance of the deal. Meanwhile, the Israeli Minister of the Diaspora emphasized that the return of the kidnapped remains a top priority and that a deal involving the release of one in exchange for three detainees could be acceptable, provided it does not require a withdrawal of forces or cessation of the war.
The Israeli Foreign Intelligence Service (Mossad) confirmed that mediators from Egypt and Qatar have presented Hamas' response to Israel, which is currently under review. However, there is a significant disagreement between Israel's security system and its political leadership regarding the progress towards a new prisoner exchange deal. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has been in contact with mediators in Qatar, Egypt, and officials in Turkey, expressing a positive spirit towards the ongoing deliberations.
The New York Times reported that Qatar received a positive initial response from Hamas to Biden's proposal concerning Gaza. Netanyahu has informed Knesset representatives of his openness to stopping the war. The Association of Families of Israeli Prisoners Detained in Gaza has threatened to mobilize millions in protests if the government obstructs the deal. Anti-government demonstrators have already set fires and blocked roads in Tel Aviv, demanding the conclusion of a prisoner exchange deal and early parliamentary elections.
Biden's proposal, which Al Jazeera obtained, outlines a three-phase plan for a prisoner exchange deal and the cessation of hostilities in Gaza. The first phase includes a six-week comprehensive ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza, and the release of detainees in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The second phase involves the exchange of all living prisoners and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, while the third phase focuses on the reconstruction of Gaza and the opening of border crossings. Despite these efforts, indirect negotiations have faced numerous obstacles due to ongoing aggression and differing priorities.
- Hamas has maintained its stance that Israel must not resume fighting in Gaza if a deal is reached. A senior security official noted that Hamas continues to insist on preventing Israel from returning to fight after the first phase, which remains unacceptable to Israel. Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who has been elusive since October 7, is reportedly considering only two options: securing Hamas' conditions for ending the war or achieving martyrdom.
- Einav Tsengauker, whose son is captive in Gaza, has been a vocal critic of Netanyahu, accusing him of neglect and obstruction. She emphasized the urgency of concluding a deal to bring all detainees home, criticizing Netanyahu for not taking decisive action. The pressure on Netanyahu is mounting, with both domestic protests and international diplomatic efforts converging to push for a resolution.
