Protests in Tel Aviv Demand Action on Gaza Prisoner Deal
In Tel Aviv, demonstrators are calling for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to expedite negotiations for a prisoner exchange deal involving captives held in the Gaza Strip. The protests highlight growing public frustration over the prolonged conflict and the fate of Israeli prisoners. The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported that a technical delegation is set to travel to Doha, Qatar, to advance discussions on this critical issue. Meanwhile, sources indicate that Netanyahu has excluded key defense officials from recent talks, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the negotiation process.
Technical Delegation Heads to Qatar for Negotiations
The technical delegation, which includes representatives from Mossad, Shin Bet, and the Israeli army, is expected to engage with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. This team recently returned from consultations in Cairo, where discussions focused on narrowing the gaps in negotiations regarding the prisoner deal. An Israeli official noted that despite the low likelihood of a successful outcome, efforts must continue to explore all avenues for resolution. The delegation aims to review the list of Palestinian prisoners slated for release as part of the proposed agreement.
Netanyahu's Conditions Complicate Negotiations
Despite ongoing mediation efforts, Netanyahu continues to impose conditions that complicate the negotiation landscape. Reports indicate that he has sidelined Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy from the discussions, possibly to mitigate pressure regarding sensitive security issues. Furthermore, Israeli media has revealed that Netanyahu's recent proposals regarding the Netzarim axis have been met with rejection from both his negotiating team and Hamas. The call for a ceasefire and the urgency to finalize the prisoner exchange remain pressing concerns for both the Israeli public and international mediators.
