An Israeli delegation is holding discussions in Cairo with senior Egyptian officials to advance a hostage deal. Meanwhile, the United States is providing Israel with backing for escalating military actions if Hamas does not move toward an agreement.
A senior American official clarified: “The proposal presented by Hamas is unacceptable, and the alternative for them will be severe.”
“The proposal presented by Hamas is unacceptable”
According to assessments, Israel will allocate only a few weeks for continued negotiations. If no breakthrough occurs, the military option will become increasingly viable. As reported by Channel 12 News, the IDF is preparing for a scenario in which combat resumes in Gaza if negotiations fail to yield results.
Scenarios for Renewed Fighting
Should negotiations for hostage release collapse, the IDF is expected to take several actions, including:
- Evacuating Palestinian civilians to designated areas within Gaza.
- Increasing military operations with extensive firepower from land and air.
- Seizing territory inside Gaza to undermine Hamas’s control.
- Applying economic and humanitarian pressure on Gaza, including limiting external aid.
Israel Seeks to Exhaust All Possibilities for a Deal Before Military Action
IDF forces have already begun mobilizing in the area, with preparations underway to deploy additional troops to Gaza in case of a broader conflict. However, the political leadership is acutely aware that renewed fighting could endanger hostages’ lives. As a result, Israel is striving to maximize efforts toward a deal before launching a military operation.
American Pressure on Hamas
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff emphasized that Hamas’s response to the proposed framework is “unacceptable and does not allow for progress.” In interviews with CNN and CBS, he stated that Hamas has backtracked on previously discussed terms: “They are not taking seriously the opportunity given to them. The window of opportunity is closing.”
Meanwhile, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stressed that Hamas cannot delay indefinitely: “They don’t have much time. If they don’t move forward, Israel will act, and we will support that.”
Israel Stands Firm: Hostage Release Is a Central Condition
The Israeli negotiating team has demanded the release of 11 live hostages as part of any potential agreement. According to reports, Israel refuses to accept Hamas’s current terms.
Security officials emphasize that if no progress is made within the designated timeframe, Israel will resume high-intensity military operations. Meanwhile, American diplomats are working to find a solution that would allow negotiations to advance before military action becomes inevitable.
