Israel is considering sending negotiators to Doha this week to pursue a comprehensive agreement that would secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas and bring about a ceasefire in Gaza. The move, backed by the United States and several Arab states, comes after the collapse of negotiations last month over a temporary truce.
Following that failure, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government approved a plan to seize Gaza City starting in October, a military operation expected to last for months. The looming offensive has added urgency to diplomatic efforts, creating a narrow two-month window for renewed talks.
The proposed agreement, as reported by Israeli media, would go beyond a temporary pause. It would cover the release of all hostages, a full Israeli military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, an end to the war, and arrangements for Gaza’s post-war governance.
Egyptian mediators have initiated preliminary discussions with Hamas in Cairo, with senior Hamas figure Khalil al-Hayya attending despite recent tensions with Egyptian officials. While these initial talks have not yet tackled detailed proposals, they have focused on halting the war, allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza, and addressing civilian suffering.
Standoff Over Phased Ceasefire Approach as Mediators Seek Breakthrough in Hostage Talks
A key divide remains over whether to accept a phased approach. Mediators are pushing for a temporary ceasefire that could evolve into a permanent truce once all terms are agreed upon.
Netanyahu, however, has rejected a partial arrangement, insisting on a single deal that would recover all hostages, both living and deceased, and conclude the war under Israel’s terms. Mediators acknowledge that Israel’s demand for Hamas to fully surrender and disarm presents a major obstacle to achieving a rapid resolution.
The failed July negotiations revolved around a 60-day ceasefire that would have freed around half of the 50 hostages Hamas currently holds. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has confirmed that Cairo, Doha, and Washington are still pushing for this type of arrangement, which would also allow unrestricted humanitarian and medical aid into Gaza.
Israel and the US blame Hamas for derailing the talks, while Arab diplomats point out that both sides introduced fresh demands over the course of discussions. Recent Israeli military pressure appears to have prompted Hamas to signal a renewed interest in negotiating.
Mounting Pressure for Comprehensive Hostage Release Deal as Israelis Push for Resolution
Hamas took 251 hostages during its October 7, 2023, assault, with 49 of the 50 it now holds captured that day, along with the remains of a soldier killed in 2014.
Since the war began, two ceasefire agreements in November 2023 and between January and March 2024 have led to the release of 143 hostages in exchange for about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Public opinion polls consistently show that most Israelis favor a deal to end the war if it guarantees the release of all hostages.
Inside Israel, calls for prioritizing hostage negotiations over expanded military operations are growing louder. This week, around 200 retired and reserve Air Force pilots protested in Tel Aviv, urging the government to focus on securing a deal rather than capturing Gaza City.
Meanwhile, a Palestinian source familiar with the talks told AFP that mediators are drafting a new proposal for a comprehensive ceasefire and the simultaneous release of all remaining hostages, hinting that a breakthrough may be on the horizon.
