Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to send a delegation to resume negotiations on a hostage release deal with Hamas, following a revised proposal from Hamas. The Israeli negotiating team believes there is a real chance of achieving an agreement this time, leading to optimism towards a potential deal. The head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency will lead the delegation for the talks, with Netanyahu discussing the negotiations with his security cabinet.
The White House announced that President Joe Biden welcomed Netanyahu’s decision to engage in talks with U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian mediators to close the deal. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would only end the war in Gaza once all its objectives had been achieved. The potential deal would involve the release of hostages held in Gaza and a ceasefire in the region. Hamas has shown flexibility and potential for a framework agreement if Israel approves.
The Palestinian death toll in the nine-month war in Gaza has surpassed 38,000, with many more wounded. Both sides are cautiously approaching the talks, with Palestinians expressing exhaustion and the need for an end to the war. However, Israeli military strikes continue in Gaza, causing more casualties and destruction.
The situation remains tense, with the hope that negotiation efforts will lead to a resolution and an end to the conflict in Gaza. Israel and Hamas continue to engage in talks mediated by external parties in an effort to reach a lasting agreement.
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