Israeli negotiators in Doha express “cautious optimism” over hostage release talks

Israeli negotiators attending ceasefire and hostage release talks in Doha have expressed “cautious optimism” regarding the ongoing ceasefire and hostage release talks, despite some remaining differences between Israel and Hamas. 

A high-level Israeli delegation, including Mossad director David Barnea, arrived in Doha as negotiations progressed, although key issues persist, according to a source familiar with the matter, Caliber.Az reports, citing US media.

One of the main sticking points is the Philadelphi corridor, a narrow strip of land along the Egypt-Gaza border. Israel demands that its forces remain stationed there, while Hamas insists on their withdrawal. This disagreement over the corridor was a central factor in the collapse of previous negotiations in August 2023. Additionally, there are unresolved issues regarding the Israeli Defense Forces’ presence in Gaza and the phrasing concerning the official end of the war.

The talks have also been complicated by divisions between Hamas leaders in Gaza and those abroad. Despite these challenges, the Israeli government’s decision to send a high-level delegation to Doha is seen as a signal that most parties involved are genuinely seeking a resolution. An Israeli official stated that American pressure had little influence on this decision, though it is clear that the United States has been pushing for a deal before January 20.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been under pressure from both the current and incoming US administrations to secure a deal by January 20. US President-elect Donald Trump, in particular, has warned that “all hell will break out” if hostages are not released by his inauguration.

The conflict, which began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attacks that killed over 1,200 Israelis and took more than 250 hostages, has resulted in significant casualties. As of January 2024, at least 46,537 Palestinians have been killed, and over 109,571 have been injured, according to Gaza health authorities. Despite the brief ceasefire and hostage release in November 2023, Israel believes 98 hostages remain in Gaza, many of whom are feared dead.

The lack of progress in the negotiations has fueled widespread public frustration in Israel, with protests taking place on January 11. Demonstrators, particularly in Tel Aviv, called for an end to the war and criticized the government's handling of the situation, with signs reading, “weak leaders wage pointless wars.”

By Khagan Isayev