The discussions in Cairo regarding the Gaza truce and hostage negotiations have concluded with Hamas stating that they engaged in “in-depth and serious discussions,” despite Israel’s rejection of key demands, casting doubt on the prospects of reaching an agreement.
Israel opted not to participate in the talks facilitated by Egypt and Qatar, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant indicating that Hamas’s reluctance to commit to any agreement was evident.
Following the submission of their response to a proposal to mediators, the Hamas delegation reportedly departed Cairo for Qatar, where the group maintains a political office. They are expected to resume negotiations in Egypt on Tuesday.
Throughout the talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar, Hamas representatives reiterated their insistence that any agreement on releasing hostages must entail an end to the conflict, a demand consistently dismissed by Israel.
Simultaneously, CIA Director Bill Burns was en route to Doha for urgent discussions on mediation efforts with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, aiming to salvage the negotiations.
Afterwards, Burns is scheduled to visit Israel for discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the negotiating team, as part of efforts to prevent the talks from collapsing.
According to a senior Hamas official, there is concern within the terror group that even after a truce agreement, the United States might permit Israel to target Hamas and its leaders, posing a threat to their security.
The official also dismissed rumors of Qatar potentially expelling Hamas’s political leadership from Doha, stating that such speculation did not impact the negotiations and suggesting alternative relocation options.
Despite mounting pressure from hardliners within his government, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu continued to downplay the possibility of a truce deal, labeling Hamas’s demands as “extreme” and equating them to surrender.
Echoing Netanyahu’s sentiments, the senior Hamas official expressed skepticism about the Israeli leader’s commitment to abide by any agreement, particularly citing Netanyahu’s threats to invade Rafah regardless of the negotiation outcomes.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh emphasized the group’s seriousness and positivity towards the negotiations, reiterating that halting Israeli aggression in Gaza remained their primary objective.
In defiance of international warnings, Israel reaffirmed its intent to pursue military operations in Rafah, citing the need to eliminate remaining Hamas strongholds and prevent arms smuggling from Egypt.
Israel’s determination to achieve its objectives, including dismantling Hamas, was reiterated by Netanyahu, underscoring the military’s readiness to continue the offensive until all goals are met.
Hamas continues to hold captive a significant number of hostages, including Israeli soldiers and civilians, taken during various incidents.
{Matzav.com Israel}
