After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as constructive, the Paris summit of intelligence chiefs concluded yesterday, amid reports of progress toward an agreement between Israel and Hamas that could lead to the release of prisoners in the Gaza Strip and a permanent ceasefire. An Israeli official expressed cautious optimism following the meeting, stating that it represents a "beginning of progress," according to the Israeli newspaper "Haaretz."
The official added that the meeting was positive, noting that it is still too early to say whether it will lead to an agreement. A source told "Haaretz" that "if Israel and Hamas successfully bridge the critical gap regarding the demand to end hostilities, an agreement could be reached in a few days or weeks."
It was clarified that both sides have reached quiet understandings on almost every topic related to reaching an agreement, despite Israel denying reports of any significant progress in the talks. It asserted that as long as the conflict with Hamas regarding the duration of the ceasefire remains unresolved, Israel would not officially agree to discuss other terms of the agreement.
Furthermore, an Israeli source informed the newspaper that "both sides are exploring a ceasefire framework that Hamas could interpret as permanent and Israel as temporary." One potential solution could involve extending the agreement for two months, during which Israel would suspend its attacks, according to the source.
This period would be long enough for Hamas to assume that Israel will not renew hostilities, while Israel can continue to insist that it will resume operations after the release of the prisoners. Notably, Netanyahu’s office stated that the discussions held yesterday at the initiative of Qatar, the United States, and Egypt were "constructive" but that significant gaps remain.
The statement indicated that CIA Director William Burns and Israeli intelligence chief David Barnea met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel, with the talks taking place in Europe without specifying the location. The heads of the American and Israeli intelligence agencies had previously met with Qatari and Egyptian officials, which helped to reach a short-term truce in November, during which more than 100 hostages were released. In return, Israel agreed to increase aid to Gaza and released dozens of Palestinian prisoners.
