Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
NEWSLETTER
www.israelhayom.com
  • Home
  • News
    • Israel
    • Israel at War
    • Middle East
    • United States
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
  • In Memoriam
www.israelhayom.com
  • Home
  • News
    • Israel
    • Israel at War
    • Middle East
    • United States
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
  • In Memoriam
www.israelhayom.com
Home News Israel at War

Hamas response on deal appears positive; cabinet to convene

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum updated families regarding a high-level situation assessment that included Netanyahu and his team.

by  Shirit Avitan Cohen and Shachar Kleiman
Published on  01-15-2025 15:00
Last modified: 01-16-2025 18:49
Hamas response on deal appears positive; cabinet to conveneReuters, Chaim Goldberg, Flash90

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L), Head of Mossad David Barnea, and incoming Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff | Photo: Reuters, Chaim Goldberg, Flash90

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

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.

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani holds a press conference with Turkey's Foreign Minister in Doha on October 25, 2023 (AFP / Karim Jaafar)

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."

Tags: Gaza WarHamasIsrael

Related Posts

IDF makes ready for 'several combat days' in SyriaAP

IDF makes ready for 'several combat days' in Syria

by Lilach Shoval

Hundreds of Druze crossed the border into southern Syria as the IDF investigates its preparedness for the incident. The Syrian...

Did Iran find a way to overcome Israel's missile shield?Iranian Army/WANA /Reuters / West Asia News Agency

Did Iran find a way to overcome Israel's missile shield?

by Erez Linn

WSJ report suggests the 12-day war in June underscored the regime's evolving missile tactics, exposing critical vulnerabilities in even the...

Father kidnapped in 1973, son died in Gaza: A family's tragic legacyCourtesy

Father kidnapped in 1973, son died in Gaza: A family's tragic legacy

by Idan Avni

Staff Sergeant Shoham Menachem, 21, was killed in tank explosion while following his father Shmuel's path, who was captured by...

Menu

Analysis 

Archaeology

Blogpost

Business & Finance

Culture

Exclusive

Explainer

Environment

 

Features

Health

In Brief

Jewish World

Judea and Samaria

Lifestyle

Cyber & Internet

Sports

 

Diplomacy 

Iran & The Gulf

Gaza Strip

Politics

Shopping

Terms of use

Privacy Policy

Submissions

Contact Us

About Us

The first issue of Israel Hayom appeared on July 30, 2007. Israel Hayom was founded on the belief that the Israeli public deserves better, more balanced and more accurate journalism. Journalism that speaks, not shouts. Journalism of a different kind. And free of charge.

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il

  • Home
  • News
    • Israel at War
    • Israel
    • United States
    • Middle East
    • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
    • Environment & Wildlife
    • Health & Wellness
  • In Memoriam
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Submit your opinion
  • Terms and conditions

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il

Newsletter

[contact-form-7 id=”508379″ html_id=”isrh_form_Newsletter_en” title=”newsletter_subscribe”]

  • Home
  • News
    • Israel at War
    • Israel
    • United States
    • Middle East
    • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
    • Environment & Wildlife
    • Health & Wellness
  • In Memoriam
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Submit your opinion
  • Terms and conditions

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il