Tel aviv: The Israeli government has decided to send a delegation to the Qatari capital of Doha as part of ongoing mediation efforts with Hamas over a prisoner swap deal and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the state-run Israeli broadcaster KAN reported.
According to Anadolu Agency, Israel is likely to send the delegation on Sunday. An unnamed senior Israeli official informed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "decided to send a negotiation delegation to Doha to discuss the amendments Hamas requested on the ceasefire proposal." On Friday, Hamas conveyed its response to the mediators, describing it as 'positive' and expressing readiness for negotiations.
KAN reported that the Israeli Security Cabinet would discuss Hamas's response, noting that Israel has not outright rejected it. Informed sources expressed optimism about bridging the gaps between both sides. Israeli officials mentioned a shift in Hamas's position due to pressure from Qatar and the US, though mediators did not confirm this.
Yedioth Ahronoth quoted a senior official stating that the delegation will engage in 'proximity talks' with the mediators. Channel 13 reported estimates that the timeline for signing the prisoner exchange deal could reach the end of the week. Haaretz outlined that the proposal includes Hamas releasing half of the Israeli hostages in exchange for a significant release of Palestinian prisoners and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Hamas has not disclosed its response content, but KAN cited sources highlighting Hamas's demands: reverting to the previous humanitarian aid distribution model, extending the ceasefire beyond 60 days without a final agreement, and a tangible Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.
Netanyahu is set to visit Washington to meet with US President Donald Trump. Estimates indicate around 50 hostages are held, with over 10,400 Palestinians in Israeli prisons facing harsh conditions. Despite calls for a ceasefire, Israel's actions in Gaza have resulted in significant casualties. The International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice have taken legal actions against Israel for alleged war crimes and genocide.