A senior Hamas insider has confirmed acceptance of a US proposition to initiate discussions on releasing captive Israelis, including soldiers and civilians. This news came just over two weeks into the first stage of a proposed truce, intending to terminate the conflict in Gaza.
Interestingly, the hardline Islamist faction has relinquished its requirement for Israel to assent to an indefinite ceasefire before ratifying the deal. Instead, they are open to conversation aimed at this objective during the initial six-week period, as per the anonymous source.
An official involved with the Palestine-mediated peace plan expressed optimism that if supported by Israel, the proposition could bring about a structured agreement, potentially concluding the enduring nine-month-long feud between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
In a surprising contrast to previous incidents during the Gaza conflict, a team member of Israel’s negotiation team anonymously disclosed a genuine prospect of reaching an agreement. On instances prior, Israeli negotiators had dismissed Hamas’s imposed terms as unsatisfactory.
The breakthrough between Hamas and Israel brings hope to relatives of captives as Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu endures increasing pressure. An official for the Israeli prime minister did not instantly react to an appeal for a remark on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath.
The Gaza conflict, initiated by a Hamas assault on Israeli southern localities on October 7th, has resulted, as referred by Gaza health officials, in a staggering death toll of over 38,000 Palestinians. Israeli official figures point to 1,200 casualties and around 250 captives from their side.
The fresh offer ensures that the mediators would secure a transitory ceasefire, facilitate relief supplies, and manage an Israeli troop withdrawal upon the continuation of the indirect negotiations to commence the second stage of the agreement.
In recent days, tireless negotiations held between Washington, Israel, and Qatar centred on achieving a ceasefire and liberation of hostages have noticeably escalated. Qatar, current residence of the Hamas leadership in exile, is taking the lead in these mediation ventures from its capital, Doha.
A local informant revealed the intense efforts by the US administration to attain a truce prior to the presidential election in November.
Mr Netanyahu stated that Mossad, Israel’s intelligence service’s head, returned from Qatar post preliminary negotiation with mediators. He affirmed that conversations would persist into the following week.