An Israeli delegation has confirmed its commitment to the current aid distribution mechanism via the American aid fund, according to a source cited by the Saudi channel A-Sharq. The source also reported that the Israeli delegation has rejected any withdrawal from areas captured after March 2. This report has not been independently confirmed.
The source further claimed that negotiations have stalled because Israel allegedly refuses to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza without restrictions.
The Washington correspondent for the Saudi channel Al-Hadath reported, citing his sources, that a deal between Israel and Hamas is expected to be announced over the weekend. The report also claimed that the US has allegedly provided guarantees to Hamas regarding a ceasefire, with the final point of contention reportedly being a partial Israeli withdrawal from the Morag Axis. It should be noted that this report has not been confirmed by any other source.
Senior Islamic Jihad official Mohammed al-Hindi told Al-Arabiya: "We want to reach an agreement, and the Palestinian negotiating team has shown flexibility to achieve this." He noted that Qatari and Egyptian mediators were making significant efforts but faced Israeli stubbornness, emphasizing the need for the UN to distribute aid in Gaza. Al-Hindi also clarified that Hamas had not demanded control over Gaza after the war.
Axios reported about a meeting with the Qataris and changes in withdrawal maps, describing the development as very possible. Trump added: "We are very close to a deal. We want a ceasefire, peace, and the return of hostages. We are close to achieving this."
US President Donald Trump also stated: "We are discussing Gaza. I think there is a possibility of an agreement with Gaza this week or next week. Nothing is guaranteed in war, but there is a strong chance we will have some kind of agreement this week or maybe next week."
IDF to establish a humanitarian zone
Meanwhile, the IDF has begun preparations to establish a humanitarian zone that will accommodate 350,000 Gaza residents. The zone will be established in southern Gaza in line with a cabinet decision on Saturday night, implementing the humanitarian separation plan aimed at distinguishing Gaza residents from Hamas terrorists.
At Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's insistence, the establishment of humanitarian zones will also proceed during any ceasefire, should one occur.
According to the plan, each Gazan entering the humanitarian zone will undergo inspection to ensure they carry no weapons and are not affiliated with Hamas. Consequently, those outside these zones will later be identified as Hamas terrorists, providing legal justification for their elimination. An IDF spokesman declined to respond to an inquiry from Israel Hayom.
