Israel plans to dispatch a team for negotiations with Hamas, disregarding their allegedly unacceptable conditions
In a significant development, the Palestinian group Hamas has responded positively to a U.S.-brokered proposal for a 60-day temporary ceasefire and hostage exchange, but key issues remain unresolved. The current status of the proposed deal is under discussion as both parties work towards a potential agreement.
The deal, which Israel agreed to as announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, envisions a staggered release of hostages and bodies over the ceasefire period. Approximately 10 living hostages and 15 bodies would be released in phases. However, Hamas has proposed releasing all hostages in a single batch, while Israel, under pressure from far-right coalition partners, prefers staggered releases to retain the option to resume fighting if necessary.
Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have expressed the need for additional guarantees that Israel will not resume military aggression after hostages are freed. This demand reflects ongoing Hamas reservations and a desire to ensure sustained negotiations during the ceasefire period.
A major sticking point remains Hamas's insistence on a guaranteed end to the war in Gaza, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not agreed to concede. This is a core issue preventing a permanent ceasefire agreement during the ongoing talks.
Talks are continuing with mediation from Qatar and Egypt. The proposal was delivered by representatives from these countries following meetings in Washington, D.C. Further negotiations and proximity talks are expected during the 60-day ceasefire to try to resolve outstanding issues.
Netanyahu has emphasized that Hamas must be disarmed, a demand that Hamas has not yet agreed to discuss. Israel is planning to send a delegation to Qatar for talks on a potential Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal. The Israeli delegation's main objective in the Qatar talks is to secure the release of hostages.
Meanwhile, a Palestinian official from a militant group allied with Hamas has expressed concerns about humanitarian aid, as well as clarity over a timetable for Israeli troop withdrawals. The Israeli delegation will still travel to Qatar for talks on a potential deal, focusing on the return of hostages based on the Qatari proposal.
In other developments, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump in Washington on Monday. The Palestinian group Hamas is believed to be holding 20 living hostages. The talks are scheduled for Sunday.
The ongoing negotiations aim to address the demand of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad for additional guarantees against Israeli military aggression post-hostage release, reflecting their reservations and desire for sustained negotiations. Meanwhile, the proposed ceasefire and hostage deal, which involves a staggered release of hostages, is also subject to discussion regarding Hamas's insistence on a guaranteed end to the war in Gaza, an issue yet to be resolved.
