Israel to Participate in Cease-Fire Talks Over Hostages Amid U.S. Mediation
Israel will send delegates to Doha for negotiations regarding hostages, supported by the U.S., amidst tensions over direct talks with Hamas. Hamas is demanding new conditions for any cease-fire extension, including the release of prisoners. The situation indicates rising diplomatic complexities involving Israel, the U.S., and Hamas, with significant implications for regional relations.
On Monday, Israel will send a delegation to Doha to advance negotiations concerning the release of hostages held by Hamas, supported by the U.S. The decision follows an invitation from Egypt and Qatar amid rising tensions over U.S.-Hamas discussions. Israel is particularly concerned that these talks may bypass its interests, as Hamas has stipulated new conditions for extending any cease-fire, which include the release of numerous Palestinian prisoners.
The Israeli delegation consists of high-ranking officials, including a senior representative from Shin Bet, Netanyahu’s political advisor, and additional members from the IDF and Mossad. This initiative follows a security meeting conducted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It aims to bolster the framework proposed by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.
Reports indicate that while both Israel and Hamas initially denied claims of a cease-fire extension, discussions about a phased release of hostages are ongoing. Hamas has exhibited flexibility during negotiations with its delegation in Cairo. Sources indicate Israel’s decision to send a delegation stems from perceived progress in the discussions.
Negotiations led by former envoy Adam Boehler aim to modify the proposed framework—a shift from initially releasing all hostages to potentially freeing a smaller group while extending the cease-fire. Additional reports from Gaza suggest four meetings occurred between U.S. and Hamas officials to finalize potential deals concerning hostages.
Hamas’ terms include releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, with negotiations reportedly focusing on ten specific names Israel wishes to veto, contrasting with Hamas’s proposal for just ten. Following intensive discussions, the U.S. began to withdraw from negotiations, indicating a tactical shift in strategy.
The Trump administration seeks to secure the release of key hostages, including one Israeli-American citizen, as part of a broader agenda amid an impending diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia. Tensions between Israel and the U.S. escalated following reports of a conversation where Israeli Minister Ron Dermer expressed frustration at Boehler’s direct engagement with Hamas.
Despite the ongoing talks, Israeli officials express concern that their interests are becoming sidelined in favor of U.S. objectives. There is a belief in Washington that resolving the hostage situation is vital to improving relations with Arab nations, indicating that the administration remains firm in its agenda.
Hamas representatives, following their participation in U.S.-mediated negotiations, have stated their conditions for any subsequent agreements, emphasizing the need for significant compromises from Israeli officials to facilitate hostages’ release. They assert the importance of a comprehensive agreement rather than a mere extension of the cease-fire without substantial terms.
In summary, Israel’s delegation is set to engage in hostage negotiations with Hamas in Doha, amid concerns regarding the U.S.’s involvement in talks that may undermine Israeli interests. New demands from Hamas for the release of Palestinian prisoners complicate the negotiations further. Ongoing discussions emphasize the significance of resolution in hostage crises as part of broader political strategies for enhancing regional relations. Moves from both sides indicate the urgency of establishing a new framework for future dealings and potential cease-fire extensions.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
