Negotiators have reached a preliminary understanding on the broad outlines of a potential agreement to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, as stated by White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in an interview on Sunday.
The negotiations involved an Israeli delegation, led by Mossad director David Barnea, meeting with CIA director Bill Burns alongside Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Paris last Friday. Egypt and Qatar act as intermediaries between Hamas and Israel, facilitating discussions due to the absence of direct communication between the two parties.
While Hamas received a briefing on the Paris talks on Sunday, finalizing a potential deal remains some days away as negotiators continue to iron out the specifics.
Sullivan refrained from providing specifics but acknowledged progress in defining the basic parameters of a hostage-for-ceasefire arrangement. He emphasized the need for indirect discussions with Hamas, to be facilitated by Qatar and Egypt, as Hamas ultimately holds the authority to release the hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an interview with CBS’s ‘Face the Nation,’ expressed determination to secure the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza, highlighting ongoing efforts towards this goal. He attributed delays in reaching an agreement to what he described as Hamas’ unreasonable demands.
Meanwhile, discussions are set to resume on Monday in Doha, involving lower-level officials focused on addressing technical issues. The talks will include representatives from Qatar, Egypt, the US, and Israel, with the participation of CIA officials from the US side.
Despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza, positive signs have emerged from the negotiations, with Tzachi Hanegbi, head of National Security for Israel, expressing optimism about progress. However, Hamas leader Dr. Bassem Naim stated he was unaware of any advancements in negotiations.
Concerns have been raised regarding Netanyahu’s proposed plan for post-war Gaza, with Sullivan expressing reservations and expecting further briefing from Israeli counterparts. The war in Gaza persists as Israel endeavors to dismantle Hamas leadership and secure the release of hostages.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the death of Israeli hostage Oz Daniel, bringing the total number of casualties from the October 7 hostage-taking incident to 30 out of the 130 individuals initially captured. In November, a breakthrough agreement secured the release of 105 hostages, accompanied by a temporary cessation of hostilities.
