Mediators are set to engage in a new round of talks between Israel and Hamas on Thursday, aiming to reach an agreement to end the fighting in Gaza, return the captives held by Hamas, and release detainees in Israeli prisons. According to the latest reports, Israeli Channel "12" quoted a security source stating that "a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas could be executed in the coming days, and this is the last opportunity." The source added that mediators are close to pulling back, and U.S. interest will later shift to the presidential elections.
In a phone call, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized to U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin the urgent need to reach an agreement for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza. On Sunday, Hamas demanded the implementation of a plan announced by U.S. President Joe Biden at the end of May to achieve a ceasefire "instead of going into more rounds of negotiations." The statement read, "The movement demands the mediators to present a plan to implement what they proposed to the movement and which was agreed upon on 2/7/2024, based on Biden's vision and the Security Council's resolution, and to bind the occupation to that, instead of proceeding to more rounds of negotiations or new proposals."
In a related development, Channel "12" disclosed that Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he would withdraw from the government if the proposed deal is approved. On Sunday, Ben Gvir stated that Netanyahu would be making a "grave mistake" by agreeing to finalize a deal with Hamas to halt the war and exchange prisoners, instead calling for the occupation of Gaza and the displacement of its residents. For his part, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid argued that the attack on October 7, 2023, occurred because the judicial overhaul led by Netanyahu weakened security in Israel. Lapid added that this is the right time to pursue a deal and return the Israeli captives in Gaza.
