Israel Reports Progress In Gaza Talks, Denies Ceasefire Deadlock
Israel says Gaza negotiations in Doha continue in a “positive atmosphere”
According to Israeli media and a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, indirect talks in Doha have yielded measurable progress. Hamas confirmed on Friday that it had submitted a “positive” response to the latest truce and prisoner exchange proposal.
The current framework envisions a 60-day truce during which Hamas would release half of the remaining Israeli hostages—ten living and 18 deceased—in return for Israel freeing an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners and initiating a partial troop withdrawal from agreed zones in Gaza.
Core Disputes Remain
Despite progress, major issues persist. Hamas demands that the United Nations oversee humanitarian aid distribution, seeks security guarantees against renewed Israeli attacks, and calls for clarity on which detainees will be freed.
Israel, for its part, insists on the disarmament of Hamas and the exile of its senior leaders—terms Hamas continues to reject.
Military And Political Pressure
The Israeli army has reportedly told political leaders that achieving full war objectives is now unrealistic under the current diplomatic conditions. It advised shifting focus to the immediate goal of securing hostage releases.
These developments come as international pressure grows on both parties to reach a lasting truce following months of war that have killed over 57,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis since October 2023.