As U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken prepares for another round of complex talks in Tel Aviv to push for a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and a prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas, there seems to be a hint of optimism in the air.
U.S. officials have expressed some optimism about reaching an agreement that would secure a ceasefire and the release of Israeli prisoners held by Hamas in the besieged enclave since October 7.
Blinken affirmed today, Wednesday, that his country is “determined” to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas “now.”
During his meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv, he added, “Even in these difficult times, we are determined to reach a ceasefire that will bring the hostages back home,” holding Hamas responsible for obstructing this goal. He further stated, “The only reason this has not happened is Hamas.”
These statements came after the American minister described the offer made by Israel as “very generous.”
They also occurred amid Israeli assurances that the invasion of Rafah is inevitable, whether the deal is struck or not.
“Negative Signals”
Blinken’s statements also coincided with the confirmation by a high-level Egyptian source that efforts to reach an agreement are ongoing amid positive atmospheres.
He also pointed out that Egyptian consultations are ongoing with all relevant parties to resolve some contentious points between the two sides.
In contrast, two informed sources claimed that Egypt had sent “negative signals” from Hamas to Israel regarding the new proposal for releasing prisoners, as reported by the Israeli “Kan” channel.
They explained that these “negative indications” arose due to the lack of guarantees to end the war at the end of the deal.
However, they noted that these are “initial indications” and not a final answer, waiting for Israel to send a delegation to Cairo based on the final response Egypt will receive from Hamas.
A source in Hamas revealed last night that the movement’s response to the Egyptian proposal for calm in Gaza and prisoner exchange will occur within the next few hours or days. He clarified in statements to “Al Arabiya/Al Hadath” that there is an Israeli response “to some extent” regarding the movement’s conditions for a ceasefire, withdrawal from the Netzarim axis, and the return of displaced persons to the northern part of the enclave.
While he noted that “the implementation of these three items will be an entrance to negotiate the file of prisoners and the exchange process, which will be detailed in the next response.”
The Egyptian Proposal
The Egyptian proposal previously presented to Hamas outlined a calm period of up to six weeks, in exchange for the release of about 40 Israeli prisoners.
However, this period might be reduced if the movement does not release more than 20 Israeli detainees.
While some gaps or issues still revolve around the number of detainees by age group and job nature specified in the proposal, as well as the number of returnees to the northern part of the enclave allowed by Israel.
Negotiations held between the Israeli side and Hamas under Egyptian, Qatari, and American auspices in November last year resulted in the release of about 100 Israeli prisoners in exchange for more than 400 Palestinian prisoners. About 130 Israelis are still detained in Gaza, and it is believed that 34 of them have likely died, according to estimates by Israeli officials.
