Negotiations for the continued release of hostages held in Gaza have stalled, with no progress reported in talks between Israel and Hamas. Sources indicate that if a deal is not reached within the next week, Israel may resume military actions in Gaza, potentially escalating the ongoing conflict.
Negotiations surrounding the release of hostages held in Gaza have hit a standstill, according to sources familiar with the discussions. While officials had hoped for a breakthrough, it seems no progress has been made on this front. The lack of an agreement between Israel and Hamas could see tensions rise, with experts suggesting that fighting could resume in Gaza in just over a week if the deadlock persists.
At the heart of the talks is a proposal from U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, which involves the phased release of hostages and the return of bodies. However, sources indicate that Hamas has yet to accept or reject this offer, complicating efforts to move forward. The plan outlines the release of half of the hostages and bodies on the first day, with the remainder to follow on the final day of a 42-day ceasefire.
There are conflicting reports about whether Hamas has formally rejected the proposal, with some sources suggesting that they are still considering it. As of now, there is no clear indication of when or if Witkoff will visit the region, as his role is to finalize any potential agreement.
In the absence of a deal, Israel appears to be preparing for further action. Officials have signaled that without an agreement on the hostages, Israel may intensify its military efforts in Gaza. Recent decisions, such as halting humanitarian aid, indicate a shift towards a more aggressive approach. Additionally, Israel is contemplating cutting off vital services like water and electricity, further raising concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
While no agreement has been reached, some experts suggest that Hamas may still agree to release more hostages in exchange for concessions, such as the release of prisoners or the entry of humanitarian aid. However, these negotiations are still ongoing, with key questions about the terms remaining unresolved. The future of these talks is uncertain, and it remains to be seen whether a resolution can be achieved in the coming days.
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