An Israeli negotiation team will travel to Qatar on Sunday to participate in renewed talks concerning the release of hostages. This visit has been confirmed by the Office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to The Times of Israel and the official social media accounts of the Prime Minister’s Office.
In an official statement, the Prime Minister’s Office declared that the amendments Hamas attempted to introduce to the Qatari proposal — received by the Israeli side on Saturday evening — are considered “unacceptable to Israel.”
According to The Times of Israel, citing a source involved in the mediation process, Hamas is demanding three major changes. First, the agreement must include a commitment to continue negotiations for a permanent ceasefire until a final deal is reached. Second, there must be full resumption of humanitarian aid through mechanisms supported by the United Nations and other international relief organizations. Third, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) must withdraw to the positions they held before the collapse of the previous ceasefire in March.
While the Israeli government deems these terms contrary to national interests and security, it is nevertheless sending its delegation to the talks in an effort to move forward on the issue of hostage release.
Earlier we wrote that Israel enforces nationwide restrictions amid security concerns.