Hamas has softened its position in the latest Gaza cease-fire proposal but continues to demand international assurances for ongoing negotiations until a final deal is reached. Israel rejected this demand, insisting on the option to resume fighting if necessary. Benjamin Netanyahu aims to destroy Hamas, while the military supports a deal to bring home remaining hostages even at the cost of leaving Hamas in power temporarily. Talks are based on a three-stage framework endorsed by President Biden and the UN Security Council, focusing on a six-week cease-fire and release of hostages.
CIA Director William J. Burns will travel to Doha to discuss the cease-fire deal with intelligence chiefs. American officials believe revisions to the deal may lead to releasing hostages after months of captivity. However, uncertainty remains about whether Mr. Netanyahu’s government will back the deal, as two coalition members oppose a full cease-fire.
About 120 hostages remain in Gaza, with Hamas refusing to release more without a path to a permanent cease-fire. An Israeli delegation led by the Mossad head arrived in Qatar for further talks, with Hamas softening its stance on negotiations but still demanding assurances that talks will continue until all living hostages are released. The demand is seen as a break from the proposed framework endorsed by the UN and Biden.
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