Tel Aviv, March 30 (IANS) – Indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas are set to resume in Doha and Cairo. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to send two separate delegations, headed by Mossad Chief David Barnea to Doha and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar to Cairo.
Following pressure from families of hostages, Netanyahu agreed to resume talks. However, Israel pulled out of negotiations last week due to disagreements on demands, including a permanent ceasefire and releasing Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
Israeli Defence Ministry sources stated that Israel would not agree to a permanent ceasefire or release many Palestinian prisoners as requested by Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have made significant progress in the war against Hamas and believe victory is within reach.
Israel had previously agreed to release 700 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 40 Israeli hostages, but negotiations broke down over Hamas’s demand for a permanent ceasefire. The conflict began in October 2023 when Hamas attacked southern Israel, resulting in over 32,000 Palestinian casualties and 260 IDF soldiers killed.
The IDF initiated a ground invasion into Gaza on October 27 and significantly weakened Hamas’s military capabilities. Despite ongoing guerilla attacks, Hamas is near defeat according to sources in the Israeli Defence Ministry. Plans for a major attack in the Rafah area are in place if talks fail, with only four Hamas battalions remaining.
The Israeli War Cabinet has been briefed on the progress of the conflict and the advantage Israel currently holds. Talks are set to resume in Doha and Cairo, with hopes of reaching a resolution to the longstanding conflict between Israel and Hamas.
