As new negotiations on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza are underway in Paris, two Israeli television channels report that their country's delegation has been given a mandate with some flexibility and that there is cautious optimism, although there is no turning point yet. Times of Israel writes it. The aim is to reach an agreement before the start of the month of Ramadan.
According to Channel 13, the Israeli team led by Mossad chief David Barnea was given leeway on humanitarian aid and other issues, but it could not be fleshed out. The broadcaster says the Israeli negotiators will return home that night. Channel 12 reports that there is flexibility in the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released per hostage, the duration of the ceasefire, the return of northern Gaza residents to their homes and post-war reconstruction. However, there is no flexibility regarding Israel's refusal to observe a permanent ceasefire.
“There is optimism, but we are only at a preliminary stage” – an Israeli source told Channel 12 – work is underway to create a basic framework with clear criteria for what can and cannot be discussed. There is no final deal yet. The goal is to achieve it before the start of the month of Ramadan.” Israel, a security source said, “will increase military pressure until the end, as there will only be results if the negotiations are under fire.”