Netanyahu Indicates Hamas May Lower Ceasefire Demands

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated a possible breakthrough in negotiations with Hamas for the release of 101 hostages still held in Gaza. Speaking with Likud members in a closed meeting at the Knesset on Monday, Netanyahu suggested that Hamas might be willing to drop some of its demands for a ceasefire deal.

“Hamas is putting forward conditions that we can’t agree to,” Netanyahu stated, “but it now seems those conditions could be rescinded.” He noted that any retraction of demands would likely be motivated by a temporary pause in hostilities, which could allow Hamas fighters to leave their fortified tunnels in Gaza. Netanyahu’s remarks were later leaked to the media, amplifying hopes that a deal for hostage release might soon be within reach.

The renewed momentum comes amid intensive mediation efforts. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi announced on Sunday that he was promoting a limited deal that would free four hostages in exchange for a 48-hour ceasefire in Gaza. Netanyahu’s office responded positively, saying, “If such a proposal were made, the Prime Minister would accept it on the spot.”

Meanwhile, high-stakes meetings took place in Doha, where CIA Director William Burns, Mossad Chief David Barnea, and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Thani gathered to discuss possible frameworks for a ceasefire deal. Although Egypt was not present in the initial Doha discussions, it is expected to join subsequent negotiations as talks evolve.

The latest discussions represent the first high-level dialogue since Hamas executed six hostages, including Israeli-American Hirsch Goldberg-Polin. Netanyahu highlighted that previous efforts stalled largely due to the intransigence of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, whom the U.S. and Israel both viewed as an impediment to any ceasefire agreement. Sinwar’s recent assassination by the IDF has opened the door to new negotiating possibilities, though Netanyahu acknowledged that his successor might present similar challenges.

Until August, the U.S. had been advocating for a phased negotiation process, originally proposed by President Joe Biden in May. Talks had stalled over the summer but now appear to be regaining momentum with a newly revised approach, though specific details remain under wraps. Netanyahu reiterated that the Israeli government is working “all the time to return [the hostages]” and exploring “partial solutions” to achieve incremental progress.

Despite these diplomatic advances, the negotiations faced a setback with the resignation of Brig.-Gen. Oren Setter, a key member of Israel’s negotiating team. Setter had played a pivotal role in crafting the current negotiation framework but stepped down from his role as deputy to Maj.-Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon on Monday. His departure leaves a noticeable gap, yet Israel remains hopeful as international mediators continue to push for a resolution.

The prospect of a deal brings a cautious sense of hope to families awaiting news on their loved ones. As talks progress, the world watches, hopeful that diplomacy will prevail and bring these hostages home.

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