Sources: ‘Critical Days’ for Hostage Negotiations

By Yoni Weiss

Israeli sources familiar with the ongoing attempts to secure a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas stated on the weekend that these were “critical days,” during which the U.S. and mediators “will apply great pressure and try to finally acquire a positive answer from [Yahya] Sinwar.” However, the sources clarified that “no one knows how he’ll respond.”

The effort to renew talks, which have nearly stalled since the terrorist organization refused the Israeli offer presented by President Joe Biden, comes amid the IDF’s progress in Rafah and the anticipated transition to phase three of the fighting in the Strip. Israel believes this is a “good exit point” for a deal and one that may also prevent a war on the northern border.

Meanwhile, a Hamas official reported on Saturday that the group received a “new American message” via mediators to renew negotiations. The official, speaking to the Arab News Agency (AWP), mentioned that the message included “slight amendments to two clauses in the Israeli proposal presented by Biden.” He added, “There’s an advancement in the attempt to return the negotiations to the starting point. The remaining differences will then be attempted to be bridged.”