Hamas has softened its position in its latest Gaza cease-fire proposal but is holding on to a crucial demand, according to senior officials involved in the negotiations. The demand is seen as a major hurdle to reaching a deal, reducing the likelihood of an imminent agreement.
The key sticking point is Hamas wanting international assurances that negotiations will continue until a final deal is reached to end the war and release all remaining hostages in Gaza. Israel has rejected this demand, wanting the option to resume fighting if necessary, in case Hamas does not hold up their end of the bargain.
At the core of the dispute is the future of Gaza, with Israel vowing to destroy Hamas while Hamas aims to maintain power. Talks are based on a three-stage framework endorsed by the United Nations Security Council. While both sides agree on broad outlines of a deal that includes a cease-fire and the release of most hostages, the debate now surrounds what will happen next.
CIA Director William J. Burns is expected to travel to Doha to discuss the deal with intelligence chiefs from various countries. The talks have seen progress, with some revisions to the agreement possibly opening the path to releasing hostages. However, it is unclear if Netanyahu’s government will support a full cease-fire deal.
About 120 hostages remain in Gaza out of approximately 250 abducted during the conflict. Talks are ongoing, with Israeli negotiators recently meeting with Qatari officials to discuss further progress. Hamas did make a concession in its latest proposal, showing signs of potential compromise on certain negotiation terms. But challenges remain as both sides work towards a final agreement.
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