Washington is also advocating for the release of Avra Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, both of whom were captured by Hamas years ago.
The proposal includes a list of Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange for each Israeli prisoner, encompassing 47 individuals who were freed during the Shalit deal and subsequently re-imprisoned in recent years.
Moreover, there were more detailed summaries regarding the movements of the Israeli army in various areas of the Gaza Strip during the ceasefire period.
Channel 12 confirmed that the issue of the Natsarim axis was not addressed in the American document presented in Doha, and this matter will be discussed during US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s visit to Israel.
Bridging the gaps
Yedioth Ahronoth quoted informed sources as saying that the teams working in Doha and those arriving in Cairo aim to address the gaps concerning the names of prisoners and the hostages set for release, alongside discussions about the Rafah and Philadelphi Corridor issues.
One day after the conclusion of what the Americans termed the “last chance” meeting, sources close to the talks indicated that Hamas has not yet provided a response, leaving all progress, gap-narrowing efforts, and cautious optimism in question.
Cautious optimism
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement on Saturday indicating that the Israeli negotiating team was “cautiously optimistic” about the potential for reaching an agreement regarding the hostages in Gaza.
The statement added, “The team communicated to the Prime Minister a cautious optimism regarding the possibility of finalizing an agreement based on the latest US proposal.”
The office expressed hope that the mounting pressure on Hamas would result in US and international mediators reconsidering their stance against the US proposal and enabling a breakthrough.
Overview of Current Negotiations Involving Hamas and Israeli Hostages
According to Channel 12 Israel, there is growing agitation around the negotiations involving Hamas. The leader of Hamas, Yahya Sinwar, has yet to respond, leading to questions about potential political obstacles in Israel that may hinder progress.
The Situation in Doha
Reports from the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper suggest that mediators at the Doha summit disregarded Sinwar’s demands. Instead, they are leaning towards solutions suggested by U.S. President Joe Biden aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis.
Details of the U.S. Proposal
Channel 12 has elaborated on the American mediation proposal, which outlines specific actions to be taken regarding hostages:
- A detailed list of kidnapped persons to be released, alongside corresponding release dates.
- A reciprocal list of Palestinian prisoners to be exchanged for each kidnapped individual.
- Initial priorities include the release of women and soldiers, focusing first on hostages taken from neighborhoods.
Moreover, Washington has added proposals for the release of Avra Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, both of whom were captured by Hamas several years ago. This proposal includes provisions for the release of 47 Palestinian prisoners linked to previous negotiations, specifically the Shalit deal.
Military Movements During a Ceasefire
The proposal further delves into the stipulations surrounding the movements of the Israeli military across different areas in the Gaza Strip during the proposed period of truce.
The Natsarim Axis
Channel 12 has confirmed that discussions involving the Natsarim axis were not included in the American document shared in Doha. This matter is expected to be addressed during U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s upcoming visit to Israel.
Efforts to Bridge Negotiation Gaps
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, discussions are ongoing to fill gaps regarding the names of prisoners and hostages, as well as addressing the future of passageways like Rafah and the Philadelphi Corridor.
Despite the so-called “last chance” meeting concluding, sources indicate that Hamas has yet to respond, leaving prospects for progress shrouded in uncertainty.
Cautious Optimism from Israeli Officials
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office expressed a sentiment of “cautious optimism.” The negotiating team has communicated to the Prime Minister that they are hopeful for a potential agreement based on the latest U.S. proposal.
Officials believe that continued pressure on Hamas may encourage both U.S. and international mediators to reconsider their stance on the proposal, potentially paving the way for a breakthrough.
Key Aspects of the Negotiations
Exchange Framework
The structure of the proposed exchange aims to ensure a systematic and equitable framework:
| Hostage Type | Release Order | Palestinian Prisoner Exchange |
|---|---|---|
| Women | Immediate | To be determined |
| Soldiers | Following Women | To be determined |
| Civilians | Last Group | 47 prisoners from Shalit deal included |
Challenges Ahead
While the framework for negotiation appears structured, the reality of ongoing political and social challenges continues to loom large over the negotiations. Questions remain about:
- The willingness of Hamas to engage in further talks.
- The potential for political instability within Israel that may affect negotiations.
- External pressures from other international actors.
Engaging the International Community
The role of international mediators will be crucial in responding to the dynamic situation. As negotiations continue, global observers watch closely how external pressures might shift the balance of discussions.
Ultimately, a breakthrough hinges on the alignment of interests across the board, making diplomatic channels not just important, but essential for resolution.
