Yedioth Ahronoth: new details about the Gaza ceasefire negotiations with a surprising breakthrough
Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper revealed on Monday estimates indicating progress in Hamas’s position regarding the prisoners’ file, indicating Hamas’ readiness to release between 9 and 10 living hostages.
According to the Israeli newspaper, the US administration informed Hamas that if it agreed to release more than eight prisoners, Israel would express its willingness to enter into negotiations regarding the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.
These developments came after Hamas released a video showing captive Israeli soldier Idan Alexander screaming in captivity, demanding his release.
The video sparked widespread interest in Israel, which viewed it as an indication of a significant shift in Hamas position on negotiations.
In this context, a Hamas delegation led by prominent leader Khalil al Hayya arrived in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, where it is expected to present Hamas’ response to the Israeli proposal to Egyptian mediators.
The proposal calls for the release of 9 to 10 live hostages, a number close to the original plan formulated by US mediator Steve Witkoff, which focused on the release of 11 hostages, including Aidan Alexander, who also holds US citizenship.
In addition, Israel is demanding the return of approximately 10 bodies of abductees who died while in Hamas custody as a result of Israeli bombing.
In return, the US administration promised Hamas that if it agreed to release more than eight hostages, it would guarantee Israel’s commitment to enter into serious negotiations regarding the second phase of the ceasefire, which essentially aims to end the war.
Israel believes that the military pressure it’s exerting is beginning to bear fruit, especially after it announced the completion of its control of the Morag axis and the encirclement of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, strengthening its negotiating position, according to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.
