On the Israeli side, there have been difficulties in renewed hostage negotiations in Doha, and no progress has been made, sources familiar with the details told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday. Additionally, the security cabinet will not convene until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Three Israeli officials told the Post on Wednesday that "there are no indications from the talks in Qatar that Hamas's position is shifting in a way that would allow for a deal. There is no reason for optimism."
Israeli officials said it is possible that Hamas's leadership abroad is "stalling for time" until they learn the fate of Mohammad Sinwar, the Hamas leader in Gaza, whom Israel attempted to assassinate on Tuesday in Khan Younis.
Only the Witkoff framework is viable
A senior Israeli official told the Post that Israel continues to make it clear in Doha that only the “Witkoff Framework” is a viable path to a deal, which includes 1. the release of 10 hostages, 2. a 40-50 day ceasefire, 3. the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, 4. and a return to fighting if no other deal is reached by the end of the ceasefire.
