Israel and the United States have formed a new understanding, given Hamas's intransigence, that there is a need to shift the negotiating framework, a senior Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post Staff Thursday, following the meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
There is a need to switch the framework of releasing some of the hostages to a framework that includes the release of all hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, and the demilitarization of Gaza.
Concurrently, Israel and the US will work to increase humanitarian aid while continuing military operations in Gaza.
Topics discussed during the meeting are believed to have included the Gaza ceasefire talks, returning hostages from Hamas captivity, and Iran.
Witkoff's visit comes as Israeli officials warn that if there is no progress in the coming days on a deal to release the hostages, Israel may be forced to take further action on the ground in Gaza.
According to two sources who spoke with the Post, Hamas has informed mediators that it will not enter negotiations with Israel until the humanitarian situation in Gaza improves.
Witkoff to visit Gaza Strip
Witkoff is also likely to visit the Gaza Strip, including the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation centers, according to a Ynet report.
Hostage families and activists held protests calling on Witkoff to bring about a ceasefire and the return of their relatives, stating that he "has the power to bring about a deal," according to Israeli public broadcaster KAN News.
Walla contributed to this report.