Israel and the US are waiting for a response from Hamas regarding a proposed hostage and ceasefire deal, with diplomats warning that if no agreement is reached, “the blame will lie fully with Hamas.” Senior American officials say Israel has made significant strides in negotiations, but Hamas’s military leadership in Gaza has yet to respond.
Hamas officials in Doha are reportedly inclined to support the deal, but the lack of response from their Gaza-based leadership has created tension. Diplomats say Hamas must show flexibility to advance a deal, as the US and regional partners believe “the ball is now in Hamas’s court.”
The situation remains tense, with talks remaining fraught with obstacles despite efforts by mediators to update the proposal. Israel remains committed to exhausting all remaining avenues within the negotiation framework, but growing concerns about Hamas’s seriousness are causing unease.
If a deal cannot be reached, experts warn that the consequences will be dire for Palestinians, who face hunger and Israeli airstrikes daily. The US delegation remains in Qatar, urging Hamas to demonstrate willingness to negotiate, as the clock ticks down on the potential breakthrough.
Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-861656