Israeli ministers convened on Thursday to deliberate Hamas’s response to a new truce proposal in Gaza and the release of hostages. Mediators are working to revive stalled talks for a cease-fire after nearly nine months of conflict.
The Israeli government announced on Wednesday that it was reviewing Hamas’s response to the latest proposal and would provide its own feedback to the mediators. The discussions are based on a three-stage framework deal introduced by President Biden in late May and backed by the United Nations Security Council.
An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, shared on Wednesday night that while significant differences between the parties persisted, Hamas’s response indicated potential progress in the negotiations. However, the official did not disclose further details.
Israel, Hamas, Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have been engaged in indirect talks for months on a potential cease-fire plan. The proposal includes a three-stage truce in Gaza and the release of the remaining 120 hostages, both living and deceased, still held there. Nonetheless, major disagreements have hindered progress, leading to a stalemate since June.
The primary obstacles revolve around a fundamental disagreement: Hamas seeks assurances that the agreement would bring an end to the conflict and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, while Israel maintains its commitment to continue operations until Hamas is eradicated and also demands post-war security control in Gaza.
Within Israel, key members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government have already voiced opposition to a potential agreement with Hamas.
