Photo: Depositphotos
Jerusalem, 12 February – Israel is ready to continue implementing the hostage deal if Hamas releases three prisoners in accordance with previously agreed terms. However, an ultimatum to release all hostages could jeopardise the second phase of the deal.
Negotiations on the verge of collapse
According to Cursorinfo, negotiations between Israel and the mediators have been ongoing since the evening of 11 February. Egypt and Qatar are making efforts to avoid a breakdown in the agreements.
Journalist Yaron Avraham reports that the possibility of extending the agreement in its current format is being considered, but the demand to release all 76 hostages by Saturday complicates the negotiation process.
An Israeli government official in an interview with Channel 12 said:
“We are ready to extend the deal if Hamas releases the three hostages. However, the discussion of an ultimatum to return all the prisoners and the lack of clear negotiations on the next stage could derail the process. Today is a crucial day for the fate of the entire deal.”
The position of Trump and Netanyahu
Earlier , Donald Trump called on Hamas to release all hostages by Saturday. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not demand the release of all 76 hostages in his latest video message, but only stressed the need to return “our hostages”.
Fifteen minutes after Netanyahu’s statement was released, an Israeli official told Ynet that the Israeli Security Cabinet had “partially accepted” Trump’s demands, but wanted to first assess Hamas’ response.
What’s next?
Israel is in a critical phase of negotiations. Whether Hamas will make concessions by releasing the three hostages or whether the deal will collapse due to differences in demands will become clear in the coming hours.
