12/24/2024–|Last updated: 12/24/202402:49 AM (Mecca time)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced to members of the Knesset on Monday that “some progress” had been made in negotiations aimed at releasing prisoners detained in Gaza, more than 14 months after the Israeli aggression on the Strip.
On the other hand, Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper quoted an informed Israeli source as saying that current estimates rule out reaching a deal before the end of the year and that progress in the negotiations is less than expected.
He added that it is difficult to believe that the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) might agree to a partial deal in exchange for a ceasefire without stopping the war.
More time
For its part, Haaretz newspaper reported – citing informed sources – that it is difficult to evaluate the possibility of meeting the timetable set by US President-elect Donald Trump to reach an exchange deal.
The sources added that the negotiations need more time and filling the gaps depends on the decisions of the political leadership.
An informed Israeli source also confirmed to the newspaper that Israel “has not and will not agree to withdraw from the entire Philadelphia axis,” which is one of the controversial points that prevent reaching an agreement.
On the other hand, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said that the majority of Israelis want an official investigation committee and a comprehensive deal to return all detainees from Gaza.
Lapid added – in his speech during a Knesset session – that the opposition will not allow Netanyahu to eliminate the State of Israel through his policies.
The Association of Families of Prisoners Detained in Gaza also said that ending the war in the Strip and reaching a comprehensive deal to return all the abductees is “an Israeli interest.”
She added, “Every Israeli patriot must raise his voice clearly in support of ending the war.”
Negotiations failed
On the other hand, Israeli Channel 14 said on Monday evening that three Israeli military divisions are operating in Gaza, and that a fourth division is preparing to enter the besieged Strip if prisoner exchange negotiations with Hamas fail.
She added, “If the deal fails, we will see the entry of the 98th Division, led by Brigadier General Guy Levy, into the Gaza Strip, which means the continuation of the ground maneuvers, and the return of military pressure on Hamas to force it to surrender,” she said.
It is noteworthy that Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine announced – in a joint statement on Saturday – progress towards reaching a ceasefire agreement.
Since the only truce that lasted a week in November 2023, the negotiations have faced many challenges, and the main point of contention is establishing a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The future of governance in Gaza after the war is also one of the main problematic issues.