For the first time in several weeks, signs of cautious optimism have emerged in Israel regarding potential progress in negotiations for a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas. Informed sources revealed that a change has occurred due to renewed American efforts aimed at facilitating a breakthrough in communications led by CIA Director William Burns, with participation from U.S. President Joe Biden's Middle East advisor, Brett McGurk, according to the Israeli newspaper "Haaretz."
This hesitant optimism arose as a Hamas delegation traveled to Cairo yesterday, led by the movement's political bureau chief, Ismail Haniyeh. Formal talks are expected to take place today, Wednesday, with senior Egyptian intelligence officials. McGurk is also anticipated to visit Egypt today to discuss the prisoner issue, as well as the impending Israeli assault on the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
Hamas has repeatedly emphasized in recent times that it will not accept any deal that does not include a complete ceasefire in Gaza and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory. Meanwhile, Israel has proposed to release all prisoners held since October 7, in exchange for halting its offensive on Rafah.
