Despite Hamas affirming that positions remain far apart between it and Israel regarding the anticipated prisoner swap and the ceasefire in Gaza, a senior Israeli official indicated that the country has accepted the settlement proposal put forward by the United States. The official added that Israel is now awaiting responses from Hamas, according to an Israeli broadcasting authority report on Sunday.
These statements follow the return of the head of the Israeli negotiating delegation, Mossad Chief David Barnea, on Saturday night from Doha, where he briefed officials on the status of the indirect talks with Hamas in the Qatari capital. Meanwhile, informed Israeli sources have noted that there are professional disagreements regarding the extent of Hamas's willingness to reach an agreement on the details of the prisoner swap.
This comes as a security delegation, led by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant, is set to discuss the incursion into Rafah and alternative plans, as well as humanitarian efforts, air-drop assistance, and the progress of establishing a maritime port in the Palestinian territory.
**The U.S. Proposal**
On Saturday, the United States presented a "proposal that aligns" perspectives regarding the number of Palestinian prisoners that Israel should release in exchange for each Hamas prisoner freed during a potential new ceasefire in Gaza. The proposal included the release of 40 Israeli captives out of the 130 held by Hamas, along with a ceasefire lasting six weeks, and suggested easing conditions for the return of residents to northern Gaza.
