Qatar, Egypt, and the US have called on Israel on Wednesday to dispatch a delegation to Sharm el-Sheikh to negotiate a hostage release deal, a source familiar with the details told The Jerusalem Post.
“Due to current flight restrictions, Sharm el-Sheikh was suggested as an alternative venue,” the source said.
However, an Israeli official, speaking to the Post, denied receiving such a request and labeled the information as inaccurate.
“When the conditions are ripe for sending a negotiation team, this will occur at a mutually agreed upon location,” the official said.
Netanyahu identifies 'breakthrough' in Gaza hostage deal talks
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that he identified a “breakthrough” in the negotiations, saying, “I gave instructions to advance the talks.”
Sources familiar with the negotiations said that talks have been on hold since the military campaign against Iran began. “Both parties are waiting to assess the situation,” two informed sources said.
According to them, close coordination between Israel and the US is also influencing Hamas, raising doubts about the reliability of American guarantees for the deal.
Three primary obstacles have hindered the negotiations over the past few weeks. One issue appears to have been resolved, with Israel agreeing to Hamas’s proposal to release eight hostages on the first day and two more on the 55th day.
The remaining challenges include the scope of Israel’s withdrawal during the deal and the events planned for day 61, alongside disagreements over ceasing hostilities and continuing talks for the release of the remaining hostages.