Negotiations aimed at securing the release of hostages held by the terrorist organization Hamas are set to resume Tuesday in Qatar, in what is being described as a last-ditch effort to reach a hostage and ceasefire deal.
Israel Hayom has learned that the Witkoff framework, which will form the basis of the talks, will once again consist of two phases. The first phase would prompt the immediate release of Israeli hostages in exchange for a 40-day freeze in Israeli military operations in Gaza. During this time, the second phase - focused on ending the war - would be discussed. It is this second phase that is prompting deep concerns on the Israeli side about the shape of the "day after" in Gaza.
Until now, President Donald Trump had backed Israel's demand for full disarmament of the Gaza Strip, a condition Hamas has repeatedly rejected. However, Washington now appears open to compromising on Hamas' demand to remain a significant force in the Strip, even if under a different governing authority or in partnership with one.
Israeli fears a gradual disarmament that won't happen
Israel is concerned that the US may propose a phased disarmament plan for Gaza, one that Hamas would never truly implement. This could result in the war ending with Israel faced with a new status quo, in which Hamas remains a heavily armed and violent force in Gaza, just across its border.
These and other issues are expected to be clarified in the coming days. Israel has committed to continue the talks in Qatar through the end of the week, as long as Trump remains on his visit to the Middle East.
In a move to pave the way for the resumption of mediation efforts, Mossad Director David Barnea recently traveled to Qatar on a mission from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Despite reports of US-imposed pressure, Israeli officials insist they are determined to exhaust all efforts to secure the hostages' release before launching the next phase of the Gaza operation. Netanyahu has managed to secure the backing of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, head of the Religious Zionist Party, to continue the negotiations, provided military action resumes if they fail.
