Tense negotiations in Doha: Israel and Hamas close in on hostage deal

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The Israeli media report on the intensive course of negotiations in Doha, where every name on the hostage list is being discussed. According to sources familiar with the situation, the talks are going through every detail, indicating that both sides are serious about reaching an agreement.

The agreement requires the approval of the military-political cabinet and the government of Israel to be implemented. The meetings are expected to take place on Friday, 17 January, and if all goes according to plan, the ceasefire agreement will enter into force on Sunday, 19 January, at 12:15 pm. On the same day, three Israeli hostages are to be released.

According to Ynet , the Israeli delegation will soon return to Israel from Doha. However, not everything is going smoothly. The day before, on 16 January, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported that he had held a conference call with the negotiating team, which reported on Hamas’s attempt to abandon the agreements reached on 27 May. In particular, Hamas is demanding to include in the list of persons to be released who are symbols of terror, despite the previous agreement giving Israel the right to veto the release of many murderers.

Netanyahu instructed the negotiating team to categorically reject any attempts at blackmail by Hamas and to abide by the agreements reached. This agreement marks a critical moment in relations between Israel and Hamas, which could have a significant impact on regional security and stability in the Middle East.