Despite Hamas rejecting many elements of US envoy Steve Witkoff's updated framework, unofficial negotiations with the terrorist organization are ongoing.
Following harsh criticism from the US, Hamas has expressed willingness to return to indirect talks, mediated by Qatar and Egypt. American businessman Bashar al-Babah, who facilitates direct dialogue between Hamas and the US, is currently in Doha, speaking with Hamas leaders, primarily senior official Khalil al-Hayya, a key figure in the negotiations.
Hamas continues to demand a clear timetable for a full Israeli withdrawal, insisting the release of the final hostage be tied to the last day of such a pullout to the international border. The new framework does not include such a timeline. Israeli officials strongly oppose any full withdrawal, particularly from strategic zones such as the Philadelphi Route, the northern border area, and the entire security perimeter.
A second key point of contention is international aid. Hamas demands that supplies be delivered as they were in the past, via routes that allowed it to seize and repurpose them for rebuilding and recruitment. The US, and certainly Israel, reject this. The Americans would agree only to a dual-track system: continuing supplies to new distribution centers (which have delivered 6 million meals so far), alongside aid routed through Hamas-controlled areas via alternative corridors designed to reduce Hamas' ability to hijack shipments.
If the unofficial talks yield results, or if requested by Washington, Israel may dispatch its negotiation team to Doha again, even though substantive discussions are currently taking place between Jerusalem, Washington and Doha.
Meanwhile, Israel continues its military campaign alongside humanitarian aid distribution, aimed at accelerating the erosion of Hamas control on the ground.
A senior military source told Israel Hayom that the Israeli defense establishment believes sustained military pressure will ultimately lead to Hamas' collapse. The source added that as this scenario draws nearer, Hamas may show more flexibility. If a deal emerges that includes a ceasefire, the IDF would adjust accordingly and act to prevent the terrorist organization from rebuilding.
