Israeli media discusses US attempts to reach agreements between the Israeli occupation and the Palestinian Resistance to conclude a prisoner-captive exchange deal before the month of Ramadan, but “the chances are not high.”
-
Destroyed buildings stand in the Gaza Strip as seen from southern ‘Israel’, on March 6, 2024. (AP)
Israeli media reported on Friday that the United States is attempting to broker an agreement between “Israel” and the Hamas movement for a captive-prisoner exchange deal, possibly the final opportunity before the month of Ramadan.
Channel 12‘s diplomatic affairs correspondent, Yaron Avraham, reported, “CIA Director William Burns is expected to visit the region in the coming days. During his visit, he will hold discussions in Egypt and Qatar, with the possibility of also visiting Israel. These engagements are part of US efforts to exert pressure and influence in the region.”
A political source told the Israeli outlet that the likelihood of a successful outcome is low, as the Palestinian Resistance is not compromising on Gaza Strip residents returning to their homes in northern Gaza. Additionally, Hamas is also sticking by its demands on the release of Palestinian detainees in large numbers, especially as the occupation has arrested thousands since October 7, yet “Israel” perceives these conditions as significant obstacles to reaching an agreement.
This situation has led to a deadlock, characterized by what the source describes as “two bosses.”
The source emphasized, “There are no sacred deadlines. The timing is not contingent on the start of the month of Ramadan, and if it commences, there will be no agreement. However, the Americans are making a final attempt to broker a deal and a ceasefire.”
Israeli war cabinet meets for deal talks
In this context, the Israeli war cabinet convened to discuss a potential agreement, as “the parties involved in the negotiations at the political level are seeking to broaden their authority and present revised positions. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Security Minister Yoav Gallant do not endorse this proposition,” according to Avraham.
He further added that there is currently significant pessimism within the government regarding the prospects of reaching an agreement in the days ahead, “despite the efforts by the United States.”
As negotiations continued in an effort to stop the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, return the displaced, and bring in humanitarian aid, the Hamas delegation left the Egyptian capital, Cairo, to consult with the movement’s leadership.
According to a senior Hamas official speaking to Reuters on Thursday, ‘Israel’ persists in rejecting cessation of Israeli aggression, withdrawal, and ensuring freedom for aid entry and the return of displaced individuals to their homes. The official noted that “Israel has obstructed all efforts by mediators to reach an agreement.”
