N12 | Published 08:36 06.07.24
Senior Hamas official quoted by Reuters said today (Saturday) that the first stage of the emerging deal will begin after a sixteen-day ceasefire in fighting. According to him, the mediators offered guarantees for a temporary ceasefire, which will include bringing assistance to the Strip and Israeli withdrawal until the second stage of the deal. Then negotiations will continue on the release of the captured soldiers and men.
Last night it was reported that Hamas updated Hezbollah on its approval of the current deal. Two sources familiar with the details, quoted by Reuters, said that a Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya delivered the message to Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah in a meeting in Beirut in recent days. In response, the terror organization 'blessed the step'.
The plan presented will advance? Biden|Photo: TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP, GettyImages
The Washington Post also elaborated on the progress made in the negotiations. According to the report, the reason for this is Hamas' agreement to 'obscured' settlements by the US and mediators, based on the same framework presented by US President Biden at the end of May. The source familiar with the details explained that disputed issues were moved to more practical stages in the deal, in order to continue the negotiation process.
In addition, reported by The Washington Post on the continuation of progress towards a three-stage deal, as presented by President Biden. According to the report, the first stage may include six weeks of temporary ceasefire, humanitarian aid delivery, Israeli withdrawal, and release of prisoners from the humanitarian category, including all American citizens. In return, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be released.
Barnea went to meet with the mediator - and returned, Archive|Photo: Chaim Goldberg, Flash 90
The report on Hamas' agreement comes against the background of negotiations for a new deal. Yesterday at noon, Mossad chief Dedi Benne went to Qatar alone, without the head of the Shin Bet and Major General Nitzan Alon - and has already returned to Israel. This, after on Thursday the cabinet convened to discuss the negotiations and the mandate given to the Israeli delegation.
It should be emphasized that factors involved in the negotiations say there is a need to 'lower expectations' regarding the smoothness of a deal coming to fruition. According to these factors, the process will require about two to three weeks - and maybe even more. The path to a lengthy deal involves significant issues that could hinder it. The factors stressed that only if the parties compromise, will the deal materialize.