Negotiations between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by mediators in Doha, Qatar, have yet to yield significant progress, with Israel maintaining a firm stance on its ceasefire terms, despite US intervention, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent visit to the Middle East aimed to broker an immediate ceasefire, but Israeli authorities remain committed to the terms outlined by their war cabinet, as confirmed by sources within the Israeli Defense Ministry.
Reports suggest that Hamas is pushing for the release of 30 Palestinian prisoners for each Israeli female hostage, while Israel is only willing to release up to five prisoners per hostage and is unwilling to release those convicted of serious crimes such as murder.
Israeli authorities have emphasized their military advantage, claiming that only four battalions of Hamas fighters remain to be defeated. They insist that negotiations must proceed on their terms, citing concessions already made, including increased aid to Gaza and the rehabilitation of displaced Palestinian families.
David Barnea, leading the Israeli delegation for peace talks, has conveyed to CIA Director William Burns that Israel would consider a temporary ceasefire lasting six weeks, under their specified conditions.
Israel is also adamant about the release of Israeli hostages, rejecting Hamas's proposed three-stage release plan. Instead, they demand the simultaneous release of all civilian captives alongside soldiers.
Hamas had proposed releasing women, elderly, and sick hostages initially, followed by female soldiers and civilian men, with male soldiers being released last. However, Israel insists on the immediate release of all civilians and soldiers in one phase.
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