Cautious optimism was felt in Jerusalem after Hamas's overseas spokesperson said efforts were being made to remove obstacles to a ceasefire deal, and that negotiations focused on ending the war in Gaza, the withdrawal of IDF troops, and a hostage deal.
Israel believes a deal could be within reach in the coming days, but senior officials remain concerned over hardline demands from Hamas. The terrorist organization insisted that any agreement must include the release of high-profile Palestinian terrorists and a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip as part of the initial phase.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the terrorist organization is insisting on the return of its leaders’ bodies, which are in Israeli custody. The report said Hamas “hopes to emerge from the deal without its capabilities being harmed.”
The IDF intercepted nine boats from a pro-Palestinian flotilla attempting to reach the Gaza Strip with some 150 participants, most of them medical personnel. Israel's Foreign Ministry described the event as “another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade,” and said the passengers would be deported immediately.
Despite notable progress and several points of agreement, Hamas is raising new demands that could hinder a ceasefire. The arrival of senior American envoys is expected to resolve key disputes.
The plan, formulated by a team associated with Blair's office and American-Israeli circles close to the Trump administration, proposes an international governmental framework that would operate in Gaza for 3 to 5 years, until control is transferred to a "reformed" Palestinian authority.
Ankara renews contact with two Gaza terror groups amid stalled hostage talks, as mediators clash over Ankara renews contact with two Gaza terrorist groups amid stalled hostage talks, as mediators clash over the potential release of Fatah leader Marwan Barghoutirelease of Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti
An Arab diplomat involved in the negotiations told Israel Hayom that the agreement could be finalized within days. Israel has rejected Hamas’ demand for a full ceasefire during the talks, but has already begun coordinating searches for the graves of hostages who have been murdered in Gaza.
Sources in Hamas told the Saudi channel Asharq that the mechanisms for implementing the hostage deal include demands for a full ceasefire. The sources said Hamas insists on the “age principle” that the older the prisoner, the higher the priority for release, and cited the name of senior Fatah figure Marwan Barghouti.
President Trump warned that Hamas faces “total annihilation” if it refuses to relinquish control of the Gaza Strip, as efforts continue to advance his ceasefire plan. Trump said Israel had temporarily stopped its airstrikes in Gaza, calling the move “a critical step” toward reaching an agreement.
