Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri addressed the discussions surrounding the negotiations for a deal this evening: "We responded to the mediators' request to discuss new proposals for a ceasefire agreement." "We are open to any proposal to end the aggression in the Gaza Strip and to any agreement that will put an end to the suffering of our people and bring about a permanent ceasefire."
Last night, the Prime Minister addressed the Egyptian proposal and noted that Israel did not accept Egypt's offer to release four hostages in exchange for a 48-hour ceasefire: "If such an offer had been made, the Prime Minister would have accepted it on the spot."
Earlier this week, Mossad chief David Barnea returned from Doha after meeting with the head of the CIA and the Prime Minister of Qatar. In the meeting, the parties discussed a new unified framework that combines previous proposals and also takes into account the key issues and recent developments in the region. In the coming days, discussions between the mediators and Hamas will continue in the Prime Minister's Office to examine the feasibility of talks and the ongoing effort to advance a deal.