Cautious optimism emerged in Israel on Wednesday over the prospect of a hostage agreement with terrorist group Hamas, as more indications suggested the talks in Doha were moving forward. Two Israeli sources familiar with the details told Israel Hayom that Hamas Gaza's response to the proposed deal appeared to be "positive."
According to the source, while Hamas Gaza has signaled its approval, the agreement has not yet been officially signed, though it is expected to move forward in the near term. Should the deal be finalized on Wednesday, the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet would convene for deliberation and approval, followed by a necessary vote on an official government resolution by all ministers. The final hurdle before the deal's implementation will have only been cleared after securing both approvals and after potential legal challenges against the anticipated release of security prisoners play out in the courts, most likely through an emergency petition to the High Court of Justice asking it to strike the deal. Despite the sources' claims, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said no response had been submitted.
Meanwhile, Amid the intense efforts to close a hostage deal before the new US administration takes office, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that Hamas' de facto Gaza leader Mohammed Sinwar agreed 'in principle' to the contours of the emerging Qatari-brokered draft agreement, citing Arab sources. An Israeli source told Israel Hayom the response Hamas gave appears to positive and the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet was to convene to discuss the matter on Wednesday, although a final vote will only take place once both parties agree on a draft.
Meanwhile on Tuesday, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum provided an update to families on Tuesday evening regarding a high-level situation assessment that included Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his team, Defense Minister Israel Katz, senior security officials, and the negotiating team stationed in Doha. According to the message, "Throughout recent hours, intensive consultations and situation assessments continued at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, alongside comprehensive comprehensive interagency coordination necessitated by the current state of negotiations. The talks remain intensive, focusing on details requiring resolution, and will continue throughout the night."
Saudi media reported that Hamas requested several additional hours to examine specific clauses within the ceasefire agreement before delivering their final response. The Saudi news channel AlHadath cited a senior Israeli source stating that the Hamas delay is not related to any issues regarding the transfer of troop withdrawal maps. In a parallel development, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed optimism, stating he "hopes to close the hostage deal this week."
Sky News Arabic reported from its sources that Israel maintains its resolute position on retaining veto authority over the names of prisoners following Hamas' list submission. Sources told Sky News that the Israeli government has purportedly introduced new conditions that could potentially derail the negotiations, including maintaining an IDF presence at a depth of 2,297 feet within Rafah city.
Another source indicated that the terrorist organization has fallen silent, with no clear explanation for this change in communication. However, a Hamas source contested this characterization, stating: "Progress in negotiations continues to move forward. Nevertheless, there are specific, albeit critical issues currently under discussion that require mutual agreement."
A source familiar with the negotiations revealed to the Qatari newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that Hamas had submitted its "agreement" to the draft proposal on Monday night. However, the organization simultaneously requested detailed maps from mediators specifying the areas designated for IDF withdrawal, along with precise timetables for each phase of the withdrawal process. The source explained that "Hamas fears Israel might avoid implementing the gradual withdrawal unless mediators possess clear, referenceable maps that can be consulted in the event of any Israeli violations."
