The authority quoted an unnamed source familiar with the details of the negotiations as saying, "Israel has shown great flexibility in recent hours, including regarding the Morag axis," while a "foreign" source spoke of "slight progress" on this issue. The authority indicated that the negotiations are currently focused on this point, without confirming whether they will lead to a real breakthrough.
In contrast, Hamas announced that Israel remains "intransigent" on several key issues, most notably the withdrawal of its forces from Gaza, ensuring a permanent ceasefire, and the flow of humanitarian aid. In a statement, the movement confirmed its agreement to release 10 living Israeli prisoners, as part of what it described as "flexibility" it is demonstrating to ensure the agreement's success.
For his part, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said on Wednesday that "the conditions are now in place to proceed with an agreement that guarantees the release of the hostages," claiming that the army "has inflicted significant losses on Hamas's rule and military capabilities," which would allow progress toward a deal.
In the same context, US President Donald Trump said there is a "chance" this week or the following week to reach a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement. Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday evening for the second time in 24 hours to discuss the issue.
Netanyahu's visit to Washington, which began Sunday, coincided with the launch of a new round of negotiations in Doha.
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the proposed proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire, the release of 10 living Israeli prisoners in two phases, and the return of 18 bodies in three phases, along with the release of Palestinian prisoners and increased access to humanitarian aid into Gaza. The Trump administration is expected to play the role of guarantor for the negotiations, according to the same source.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has waged a war on the Gaza Strip, leaving more than 195,000 dead and wounded, the majority of them children and women. In addition, more than 10,000 people remain missing, and a famine has claimed the lives of dozens of children, amid widespread accusations of genocide and forced displacement.
