Hostage Square in Tel Aviv. December 22 2024. (Photo: Miriam Alster/Flash90)
Israeli sources involved in hostage deal negotiations with Hamas claim that the talks have not collapsed, but rather returning the negotiating team was intended to allow Israeli leaders to make decisions regarding the next steps, as reported on Wednesday morning on Reshet Bet’s “This Morning.”
The Israeli team returned last night from Qatar after negotiations had been at a standstill for several days. The main reason for the team’s return to Israel and the lack of progress in the talks is Hamas’ refusal to provide a list of the hostages, both alive and deceased, who are supposed to be released in the first stage of the deal.
According to the sources, Hamas is ignoring pressure from the mediators, with the head of Hamas in Gaza, Muhammad Sinwar, reportedly taking a harder stance “even more so than his brother Yahya.” Israel emphasizes that if progress is made in the talks, the delegation can be sent back again.
Last night, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that after an intense week of negotiations, the Israeli delegation returned home for “internal consultations.”
However, it was reported on Kan 11 Evening News that the talks are facing significant challenges surrounding the issue of the framework for releasing the hostages and Hamas’ refusal to provide lists of the hostages. Nevertheless, the mediators are attempting to continue facilitating negotiations between the parties.
According to the proposed framework under discussion, after seven days of a ceasefire and the release of all female hostages, Hamas is required to provide a list of all the hostages in its custody who will be released.
