Israel will send a delegation to Doha for hostage talks, supported by Egypt and Qatar, amid tensions from U.S.-Hamas discussions that Israel feels are bypassing it. Hamas demands include the release of Palestinian prisoners. The situation remains fluid with ongoing negotiations impacting regional stability.
Israel is set to send a delegation to Doha on Monday to engage in discussions about releasing hostages held in Gaza, following invitations from Egypt and Qatar supported by the U.S. This decision stems from rising tensions surrounding U.S.-Hamas dialogues, particularly as Israel feels sidelined in the negotiations. Hamas has also laid down new demands for cease-fire extensions, which include the release of hundreds of prisoners, some serving life sentences.
The delegation will consist of key figures including a senior Shin Bet official, political advisor Ophir Falk, hostage coordinator Gal Hirsch, and members from the IDF and Mossad. They aim to elaborate on the framework proposed by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff during previous discussions. The announcement followed a security meeting led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, amidst concerns about the implications of U.S.-Hamas talks.
Reports indicate that earlier in the day, Al-Arabiya claimed an agreement between Israel and Hamas to extend the temporary cease-fire throughout Ramadan, which both parties denied. However, a Saudi network reported that Hamas was open to extending the cease-fire and releasing hostages, including some Israeli soldiers, gradually. Hamas appears to have demonstrated negotiable flexibility during discussions facilitated by its representatives in Cairo.
U.S. envoy Adam Boehler has continued to engage with Hamas over potential modifications to the proposed negotiation framework. Current discussions now focus on a smaller, phased release of hostages, maintaining a cease-fire until Ramadan’s end and tweaking previously set terms. Reports suggest that U.S. officials have met with Hamas multiple times this week, ostensibly seeking a partial release deal for specific Israeli-American hostages in exchange for a larger number of Palestinian prisoners.
The Israeli government fears that these negotiations may diminish its influence in future prisoner release discussions, particularly concerning the proposed lists of Palestinian prisoners. Tensions rose when details emerged about Boehler’s meetings with Hamas officials, leading to concerns within the Israeli administration about its position in these talks.
Despite concerns about U.S.-Hamas dialogues, Israeli officials remain engaged with White House advisors who express optimism about hostages negotiations. However, there remains a palpable concern that the direct discussions might lead to outcomes that diverge from Israel’s national interests. Israeli officials stress the importance of resolving the hostage crisis, which they view as key to broader U.S. plans regarding the Abraham Accords.
The ongoing negotiations have prompted a Hamas delegation to arrive in Cairo, where they are engaging with U.S. mediators. Nonetheless, an Israeli source mentioned that significant advancements in discussions are necessary before U.S. envoys are dispatched to the region again. Meanwhile, Hamas’ spokesman highlighted three primary demands during the ongoing negotiations: prisoner exchanges, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and guarantees against the resumption of hostilities.
The dynamics surrounding cease-fire discussions between Israel and Hamas are becoming increasingly complex, with various parties, including the U.S., playing pivotal roles. Israel’s delegation to Doha aims to assert its interests amid rising U.S.-Hamas negotiations, which have raised concerns within Israeli leadership. Hamas has set clear demands that could impact future relations and negotiations, illustrating the multifaceted nature of this geopolitical crisis.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
