Hamas has shown increased willingness to agree to a cease-fire deal that includes a phased withdrawal of IDF troops from the Gaza Strip, pan-Arab newspaper Asharq al-Awsat reported on Sunday, citing Palestinian sources.
Hamas had previously demanded a complete withdrawal and an end to the war before releasing hostages held since the October 7 massacre.
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Khalil al-Hayya, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu
(Photo: Mohammed Salem / Reuters, Erin Schaff/ Reuters, Carlos Osorio / AP, Alex Kolomoisky)
The terrorist group is reportedly prepared to allow the Palestinian Authority (PA) to manage the Rafah border crossing with Egypt in exchange for the return of displaced Gazans to northern areas of the coastal enclave.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said there may be more flexibility on both sides to reach a deal in Gaza. Saar spoke at a conference held by the Israel Hayom news paper and said there are indications that a cease-fire could be reached. "I think we will know in the coming days," he said. "The basic principle is that Hamas cannot rule over Gaza but we are committed to advancing the release of hostages."
Meanwhile, the Biden administration is pushing for an agreement before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January 2025. Trump, after receiving Israeli assessments indicating that half of the 101 hostages are believed to be alive, has expressed interest in advancing a deal.
Hamas posts video of hostage Edan Alexander
Hamas escalated its psychological warfare on Saturday by releasing a video of captive American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, pleading with Trump to work for his release along with other hostages.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that Israel will not agree to a cessation of the war until Hamas' military and governance capabilities are dismantled but is committed to securing the release of hostages. After the video surfaced, Netanyahu emphasized that efforts to bring all hostages home are ongoing.
A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Saturday for talks with Egypt’s intelligence chief Major General Hassan Rashad. Egypt is working to mediate a hostage deal and promote internal Palestinian reconciliation.
Meanwhile, Israel has resumed negotiations with Qatar and the United States, despite the former's earlier announcement that it would reduce its mediating role.
The families of hostages have intensified pressure on the Israeli government, criticizing its willingness to agree to a cease-fire with Hezbollah in Lebanon while resisting a similar arrangement in Gaza.