Will Israel Send Delegation for Indirect Talks with Hamas?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Israel is sending a delegation to Qatar for talks.
- The focus is on a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
- The Qatari proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire.
- Hamas has made requests for changes to the proposal.
- Humanitarian aid delivery is a priority for Hamas.
Jerusalem, July 6 (NationPress) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed a negotiation team to head to Qatar on Sunday to engage in discussions with Hamas regarding a ceasefire and hostages agreement, as stated by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office.
After a thorough evaluation of the circumstances, Israel has accepted an invitation for direct dialogue and ongoing negotiations focused on the release of Israeli hostages captured in Gaza, following a Qatari proposal that Israel has tentatively agreed upon.
This proposal reportedly encompasses a 60-day ceasefire, the phased release of 10 live Israeli hostages, the return of 18 deceased hostage bodies, and the release of Palestinian prisoners currently incarcerated in Israeli facilities.
However, the statement noted that Israel was informed on Saturday evening that Hamas has requested alterations to the proposal, which are deemed unacceptable to Israel.
According to Kan TV News, a state-owned broadcaster in Israel, the changes requested by Hamas involve guarantees for a swift transition to negotiations aimed at concluding the war, the inclusion of Türkiye among the guarantor nations of the agreement, and specifics regarding the distribution of humanitarian aid and the withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the Gaza Strip.
On Friday, Hamas announced that it has provided a positive response to mediators regarding the ceasefire proposal, indicating its readiness to engage in negotiations on the implementation of this framework.
On Saturday, a source close to Hamas indicated that minor modifications were suggested to the existing draft, but the core elements of the mediation framework remained largely intact, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.
In terms of humanitarian assistance, the source stated that Hamas insisted that aid must be delivered in adequate amounts to maintain the continuous operation of essential services such as bakeries and hospitals.
Furthermore, Hamas emphasized that humanitarian aid should be facilitated through neutral and internationally recognized organizations, including the United Nations, the Red Crescent, and other relevant bodies.
Regarding the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the source mentioned that Hamas is open to slight adjustments to the proposed withdrawal to the March 2 lines, provided that the details are clarified through indirect negotiations.