With a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal close to completion, the main unresolved issue remains the deployment of Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip during the proposed 60-day truce, a source familiar with the details told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday, as negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a deal continued in Doha, Qatar.
The source said that the Israeli delegation presented a new proposal that included detailed maps outlining the deployment of troops throughout the duration of the deal. According to the source, the maps primarily focus on the area south of the Morag Corridor.
While Hamas has demanded a full IDF withdrawal during the 60-day period, as had occurred during the January ceasefire, Jerusalem has insisted on keeping forces in specific areas, including the Morag Corridor. Two officials said that the maps represent an Israeli concession – a noted change from the original position proposal – which is why the new one was introduced.
Hamas claimed that on its side, there were several sticking points, including the flow of aid, withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and "genuine guarantees' for a permanent ceasefire." Although it has agreed to release 10 hostages, the terror group described the talks as "tough" due to Israel's "intransigence."
An official added, “Israel is showing more flexibility... In our view, it’s possible to reach an agreement soon.”
In an interview with Fox Business Network's Morning with Maria on Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “I believe there’s a good chance we will reach a ceasefire, and it will bring us closer to the goal I have set.”
Determined to release all hostages
On Tuesday evening, Netanyahu met with US President Donald Trump for a 45-minute meeting. Netanyahu said after, “We are not letting up for a moment in our efforts to free the hostages. This is made possible thanks to the military pressure exerted by our brave soldiers. But we are determined to achieve all our objectives: the release of all our hostages – both the living and the slain – the elimination of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, and ensuring that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel.”
The main unresolved issue remains the deployment of IDF forces in the Gaza Strip during the proposed 60-day truce as part of the deal.
Netanyahu is considering extending his stay in the US for a visit that will continue into the weekend. He was originally planned to depart on Thursday.
Reuters contributed to this report.