Israel still believes Hamas is ultimately interested in a deal, “but they’re trying to squeeze every possible advantage, provoking and appeasing all the extremist factions within Gaza,” Israeli officials told The Jerusalem Post on Friday.
According to the official, Hamas has yet to provide a formal and serious response to Israel’s latest proposal. Instead, it has resorted to delaying tactics, reintroducing previously resolved issues, and making "outlandish" demands, chief among them, the release of dozens of living prisoners in exchange for each murdered hostage.
"Such a demand is entirely unrealistic," said the source. “If we accept that formula, it would make it impossible to secure the release of any remaining hostages after this current deal.”
The official said that Israel has demonstrated “extraordinary flexibility” in its efforts to reach a deal, while Hamas continues to stall and escalate its demands.
"Israel invested immense effort," said the source, referring to the high-level Israeli delegation that has been conducting marathon meetings with international mediators in Doha. "The negotiating team, led by Gal Hirsch, received full backing from [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu, and showed a real willingness to compromise."
The official blamed pressure from the international community as one of the reasons that caused Hamas to give its unrealistic answer. “We’re facing a starvation campaign [waged] against us, and no less than 27 countries have come out publicly criticizing Israel, something Hamas is clearly trying to exploit.”
There has been some progress in the latest round of Gaza ceasefire talks, mediators Qatar and Egypt said in a joint statement on Friday. Suspending the negotiations to hold consultations before resuming talks is normal in the context of these complex negotiations, they said.
The ceasefire mediators affirmed their commitment to continuing their efforts to reach a comprehensive ceasefire agreement in Gaza in partnership with the United States.
The Israeli negotiating team continues its efforts
Despite the diplomatic headwinds, Israel’s negotiating team continues its efforts.
“The delegation led by Gal Hirsch will exhaust every avenue to secure the release of the hostages,” the official emphasized. "Even in the past 24 hours, we’ve maintained active dialogue with the mediators, who are urging Hamas to provide a practical and realistic response."
He concluded that once the necessary conditions are in place, and Hamas shifts from its current rejectionist posture, the Israeli delegation is ready to return to Doha and finalize an agreement.