Israeli political sources assessed today (Wednesday) that if the Hamas terror organization gives the green light for a comprehensive hostage deal, it may be possible to end the fighting in Gaza.
In addition, Jerusalem has shown flexibility regarding the guarantees Hamas is demanding to end the campaign. Israeli officials say negotiations would proceed in stages—starting with hostage release and a ceasefire, followed by talks on ending the war.
However, even if Hamas gives a nod to progress, it will take time for the negotiations to mature.
Negotiation stages
Negotiations are unfolding on three levels. The first step requires Hamas’s initial consent, and Israeli estimates suggest such a response could come within 24 hours. If Hamas responds positively, working-level teams will head within a day to talks in Cairo or Doha.
The U.S. has clarified to both Israel and Hamas in recent days that if no agreement is reached during the 60-day ceasefire period, the Trump administration would support extending it as long as serious negotiations continue, according to a senior Israeli official.
One of Hamas’s conditions is that the ceasefire continue beyond the initial 60 days as long as talks on a permanent truce are ongoing. This point was included in earlier versions of the deal, but Hamas claimed the language was too vague. It remains unclear whether the updated version of the agreement will address this more clearly or if guarantees will be delivered orally.
Pressure on Hamas
Two senior Israeli officials claim the recent movement stems from intense pressure by the Trump administration on Qatar, which in turn is pressuring Hamas.
Top Hamas officials are expected to hold consultations within the next 24 hours with Egyptian intelligence leaders and senior Turkish officials. Internal discussions among Hamas leaders are scheduled to take place tomorrow in Doha.
Israel estimates that Hamas will respond positively and that a deal could be reached in the coming days. This outlook aligns with messages from Qatari and Egyptian mediators, who believe there is a strong chance Hamas will accept the latest proposal.
“We’ll eliminate them completely”
Amid reports of a ceasefire and public concern over Hamas retaining power in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a statement today during a visit to EAPC facilities in Ashkelon. “I’m telling you—there will be no Hamas. No Hamastan. We’re not going back to that. It’s over,” the prime minister declared. “We will free all our hostages. ‘But how can you say that? These are conflicting goals!’—Nonsense. It works together,” Netanyahu said in response to critics. “We will accomplish both—contrary to what they say. We will eliminate them completely.”
Official Hamas statement
In a formal statement today, Hamas said that mediators are attempting to bridge the gap between the sides to reach a framework for agreement and begin serious negotiations.
“We are acting with a high sense of responsibility and conducting national consultations to review the proposals from the mediators, in order to reach an agreement that ensures the end of the aggression, withdrawal, and urgent aid for our people in the Gaza Strip,” Hamas stated.
The situation in Gaza
Alongside the political discussions and negotiations, IDF forces continue operating in the Gaza Strip. Yesterday, the IDF Spokesperson announced the entry of large forces into Gaza. The 98th Division has begun new operations in Gaza City in the north of the Strip alongside the 162nd Division. As part of its efforts, forces are operating in eastern Gaza City, deepening operational gains, dismantling terror infrastructure above and below ground, and eliminating terrorists from the Gaza-based organizations.
Prior to the division’s entry, the Israeli Air Force carried out dozens of strikes that killed numerous terrorists, paving the way for the ground incursion. So far, around 100 terror targets have been struck, including terrorists, weapons depots, command centers, and enemy observation posts.
