Almost Heaven
Well-known
The negotiations in Doha between Israeli and Hamas delegations, mediated by Qatar and the US, began today (Saturday) at 2 p.m., following understandings that each side may present various proposals and directions based on the existing frameworks on the table. In practice, both sides were given leeway to show flexibility regarding the two main outlines: the Witkoff framework, to which Israel has declared its commitment, and the Egyptian framework, which differs primarily in its more modest demands on Hamas.
Even before today's talks, it was already clear by Friday that, despite the lack of progress, the Israeli delegation would remain in Doha to signal Israel's willingness to continue negotiations. Hamas, despite the near-certain elimination of its military commander Mohammad Sinwar and the ongoing and even intensifying Israeli military operations, decided to return to the table.
"This decision clearly indicates that Hamas is under growing pressure due to the situation in Gaza," a senior Israeli official told Israel Hayom. "It understands that Israel intends to expand its ground maneuver and, more importantly, that the Americans are not planning to restrain Israel."
The proposals now being discussed come primarily from the American side. US envoy Steve Witkoff, who returned to the US, remains in close contact via phone and video calls. On Friday, Hamas demanded not only a long-term ceasefire, of at least two months, but also a US guarantee that fighting would not resume. However, it rejected the central Israeli condition of disarming
www.israelhayom.com
Even before today's talks, it was already clear by Friday that, despite the lack of progress, the Israeli delegation would remain in Doha to signal Israel's willingness to continue negotiations. Hamas, despite the near-certain elimination of its military commander Mohammad Sinwar and the ongoing and even intensifying Israeli military operations, decided to return to the table.
"This decision clearly indicates that Hamas is under growing pressure due to the situation in Gaza," a senior Israeli official told Israel Hayom. "It understands that Israel intends to expand its ground maneuver and, more importantly, that the Americans are not planning to restrain Israel."
The proposals now being discussed come primarily from the American side. US envoy Steve Witkoff, who returned to the US, remains in close contact via phone and video calls. On Friday, Hamas demanded not only a long-term ceasefire, of at least two months, but also a US guarantee that fighting would not resume. However, it rejected the central Israeli condition of disarming
New framework on table, Hamas received promise from Qatar
Despite the near-certain elimination of Mohammad Sinwar, Hamas has returned to negotiations on a hostage deal, with new proposals are being discussed. Arab
www.israelhayom.com
