Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to send a delegation to resume negotiations on a hostage release deal with Hamas, which has made a revised proposal on the terms of the deal. This is seen as a significant breakthrough, with hopes of reaching an agreement. The head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency will lead the delegation for the talks.
The White House confirmed that U.S. President Joe Biden discussed the response from Hamas with Netanyahu and welcomed Israel’s decision to engage in negotiations. However, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would only end the war in Gaza when all its objectives had been achieved.
Hamas has shown flexibility over some clauses in the proposal, allowing for a potential framework agreement to be reached. The deal would involve the release of hostages, a ceasefire, and the eventual reconstruction of Gaza. The Palestinian death toll in the war in Gaza surpassed 38,000, with many wounded.
In Gaza, Palestinians cautiously welcomed the prospect of renewed talks, expressing exhaustion and the need for an end to the war. Israeli strikes continue in Gaza, causing civilian casualties and destruction. The Israeli military maintains it is targeting Hamas’ military capabilities in accordance with international law.
Overall, there is hope for a possible deal to end the conflict, but there are also political considerations that could complicate the process, including potential opposition from far-right partners in Netanyahu’s ruling coalition who want Hamas destroyed before any agreement is reached.
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