Hebrew media reported Thursday that the Israeli negotiating team may travel to the Qatari capital, Doha, within days to resume indirect talks with Hamas on a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner exchange.
اضافة اعلان
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, citing four unnamed Israeli officials, Israel “may send its negotiating delegation to Doha by the end of this week or early next week to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza,” without providing further details.
The officials added: “On the one hand, we are continuing with full force our ground campaign in Gaza City, and on the other, Israel has not given a clear answer regarding Hamas’ approval of the mediators’ ceasefire proposal. Although no delegation has yet left for Doha, there is a possibility that one will depart by the end of the week or early next week.”
The newspaper noted that “the Israeli government’s stance on Hamas’ acceptance of the mediators’ proposal for a 60-day ceasefire remains unclear.”
Quoting an unnamed Israeli security source, it reported: “Everything now depends on Prime Minister Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. If Netanyahu truly wants a deal, there is something to work with (the mediators’ proposal accepted by Hamas). If not, he will dismiss it as partial and that will be the end of it.”
The paper added that “the United States is pressuring Israel to reach a comprehensive agreement with Hamas that would end the war and ensure the return of all hostages, even as the Israeli government prepares to approve an expansion of military operations in Gaza City.”
An unnamed senior Israeli source was also quoted as saying: “U.S. President Donald Trump has made it clear to Israel that he opposes temporary deals. Just as consultations are underway in Israel, they are also taking place at the White House. Trump is setting the pace and demanding a full agreement; he has grown averse to partial arrangements.”
According to the report, Israel is currently considering two main options: a partial deal to release around 10 hostages, or a broader agreement to end the war.
The debate has intensified as Hamas has expressed willingness to accept a temporary deal, while Israel has yet to commit.
The paper also reported that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expressed doubts about Hamas’ proposal and supports the White House push for a full agreement.
It further noted that the Israeli War Cabinet was expected to meet Thursday to approve the army’s operational plan to enter Gaza City. Defense Minister Israel Katz has already given the green light, but Prime Minister Netanyahu has yet to convene the broader Security Cabinet (the Cabinet), which must give final approval.
An unnamed senior Israeli government official was quoted as saying that “Israel will not provide its formal response to Hamas’ reply until after that Cabinet meeting.”
According to sources close to Netanyahu, the prime minister views a full-scale assault on Gaza City as a critical pressure point.
One official told the paper that “the occupation of Gaza City could serve as leverage to force Hamas into a comprehensive agreement on Israel’s terms,” which include disarmament in Gaza, the forced exile of Hamas leaders, and excluding the movement from any future governance of the Strip.
