Israel and Hamas are close to signing a ceasefire deal in the coming days to end the recent hostilities in Gaza, according to sources briefed on the talks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly on his way to Cairo for discussions aimed at finalizing the terms of the truce, according to Reuters. The negotiations have gained significant momentum, with both sides showing flexibility on key sticking points. Shortly after the report came out, Hamas said an agreement was possible if Israel stopped "setting new conditions." Meanwhile, Netanyahu's office announced that he visited Mount Hermon on Tuesday to see up close the newly seized peak, a week after Israel advanced beyond the Disengagement of Forces lines on the Golan Heights for fear of spillover from the chaos in Syria after the long-standing Assad family regime had been toppled. Netanyahu was joined by the IDF chief of staff, the head of the Shin Bet security agency, and other security officials.
One of the main obstacles in the talks had been the deployment of Israeli forces along the Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors during the ceasefire period. However, according to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, Hamas has demonstrated a willingness to compromise on these matters. "The Philadelphi and Netzarim routes are no longer an obstacle; Hamas has shown flexibility on these matters," Katz said during a Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee session.
Israel has also reportedly softened its stance on certain conditions as negotiators work to establish an inspection mechanism for civilians moving northward – a system that Hamas had previously rejected. The Israeli government official stated that the talks have focused on bridging gaps to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
In a related development, Reuters reported that an Israeli delegation has traveled to Doha to continue the dialogue, signaling the seriousness of both parties to reach a resolution.
