As US mediators prepare to present what they hope will be a final proposal for a Gaza ceasefire and the return of some hostages, sources close to the negotiations express growing pessimism. Substantial differences remain between Israel and Hamas on critical issues, particularly regarding the release of prisoners demanded by Hamas and the possibility of resuming hostilities, which Hamas strongly opposes.
While US administration officials stated last week that Hamas was taking a harder line and showing little flexibility, some in Israel argue that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent press conference and his insistence on controlling the Philadelphi Corridor have hindered progress in the talks. According to the American timeline, which is currently behind schedule, a proposal branded as "final" is expected to be presented to both sides in the coming days.
On Thursday, US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew reiterated the American position that a deal could prevent regional escalation and also lead to the end of the confrontation with Hezbollah. However, senior Israeli officials are dismissing this American "optimism."
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also stated in an interview with Channel 12 News this evening that "an agreement in the north won't be worth the paper it's signed on." The ambassador claimed that both sides would need to show flexibility to agree to the deal that will be presented to them. However, Israel is bracing for days of intense pressure directed at it rather than at Hamas. Presenting the deal will involve approval by the mediators, followed by Israel's approval, and only then Sinwar's response, which typically takes days.
