Progress in Negotiations in Doha
Talks in Doha regarding the release of hostages and the extension of the ceasefire in Gaza are ongoing today (Thursday), mediated by international actors. According to the limited information reaching Israel, the negotiations appear to be serious. Israeli sources familiar with the details estimate that there has been progress in discussions with Hamas, and a small-scale hostage release may be agreed upon.
The Updated Proposal
The U.S. President’s special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff presented a mediation framework formulated together with negotiators. The central offer proposes the release of three to five living hostages, along with the remains of three to five additional hostages, in exchange for a 50-day ceasefire. During this period, negotiations would continue toward expanding the agreement. However, the issue of prisoners to be released in the exchange has yet to be discussed between the parties.
The Israeli Delegation
The Israeli negotiation team, led by a senior ISA (Shin Bet) official and including Hostage and Missing Persons Coordinator Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political advisor Ofir Falk, and representatives from the Mossad and the IDF, is currently in Doha, Qatar, where the discussions are taking place.
Yesterday, U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, joined the delegation in an attempt to advance the new framework for the release of hostages.
Meanwhile, President Trump has issued an ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all hostages. However, in practice, the discussions remain focused on the gradual release of an initial group as part of the ongoing negotiations.
