Negotiators are inching closer to an agreement with Hamas to release 50 hostages! CBS News reports that the potential deal would involve Israel allowing in more aid, including fuel, in exchange for the release of civilians. The negotiations come amidst a limited pause in fighting, with more releases potentially on the horizon.
While there is currently no firm deal in place, a written draft agreement is being circulated between the parties. The talks are described as very difficult but have been narrowed down with the help of U.S. and Qatar intermediaries. White House Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer stated that the parties are closer than ever to reaching a final agreement.
However, Finer emphasized the need to keep the details of the developing diplomacy private. He also mentioned that past deals have previously collapsed. The recent Israeli military move on al-Shifa hospital reportedly complicated the negotiations with Hamas, according to two regional officials.
The proposed draft agreement would involve the release of 50 hostages on the first day with a limited pause in fighting lasting around four days for six hours per day. If the initial release and pause occur, the source also mentioned a second release of around 20-25 hostages. Qatar’s Prime Minister confirmed that the remaining sticking points to the emerging deal are minor logistical matters, indicating that the parties are close to reaching an agreement.
Several complicating issues have arisen recently, including concerns about overhead surveillance during the releases and Israel’s demand for Hamas to account for all the captives it holds or can obtain from other militant groups. This has come following the tragic discovery of bodies of hostages believed to have been held by Hamas nearby the al-Shifa hospital complex in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had cited strong indications that hostages were initially held in al-Shifa hospital but later suggested that if they were there, they have been taken out. However, the U.S. has not confirmed this assessment and instead issued downgraded intelligence suggesting that Hamas members operate from the hospital, using it for weapons and hostages.
President Biden’s top Mideast adviser, Brett McGurk, described the hostage talks as intensive and ongoing. He echoed Israel’s call for the release of a large number of hostages, which McGurk stated could lead to a significant pause in fighting and a massive surge of humanitarian relief.
CIA director Bill Burns and President Biden have been actively involved in the negotiations, with the U.S. helping to broker proposals through its relationship with Qatar. The proposals are being passed from Doha to Hamas leaders in Gaza and Israel’s war cabinet.
The situation remains fluid, and while progress has been made, the outcome of the negotiations is yet to be determined.