Mossad Chief Dedi Barnea has shed new light on the stalled negotiations with Hamas. While public attention has focused on the Philadelphi Corridor, Barnea claims a different issue is causing more problems: the return of Gaza residents to the northern Strip.
Speaking to families of hostages on Friday, Barnea offered rare insights into the complex negotiation process. He explained that Israel insists on inspecting returning residents at the Netzarim axis to prevent Hamas from rearming. This point, Barnea says, remains unresolved and any solution would be "painful for Israel."
The proposed hostage deal involves two stages. The first aims to release 30 hostages, though it's unclear how many are alive. The second, more challenging phase, would free all living captives.
Barnea also described the negotiation process. It starts with the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt creating a proposal, which Israel then responds to. The proposal then goes through Egypt to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, a process that can take two weeks.
"Sometimes the situation changes while we wait for Hamas's response, making our offer irrelevant," Barnea explained.