The White House and Arab states are intensifying efforts to broker an agreement aimed at halting the conflict in the Gaza Strip and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, according to the Wall Street Journal.
A report by Jared Malsin and Summer Said stated that on February 22, Washington dispatched the administration's Middle East coordinator, Brett McGurk, to Israel for discussions with Israeli officials, following talks in Cairo where he engaged with Egyptian officials involved in negotiations with Hamas leadership.
CIA Director William Burns is anticipated to meet with senior Middle Eastern leaders in the coming days, suggesting potential progress in the negotiations, as noted by the WSJ.
On February 23 in Paris, Burns is scheduled to discuss negotiation progress with Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdulrahman al-Thani.
While Mossad head David Barnea was reportedly invited to the meeting, Israel has not confirmed his participation in the negotiations.
The last gathering of Burns, Kamal, al-Thani, and Barnea took place in January when a tentative formula for a six-week ceasefire was agreed upon.
However, Hamas rejected the proposal, insisting on a complete and final ceasefire before initiating the "prisoner exchange" process.
Negotiations resumed after Hamas signaled willingness to lower its demands regarding the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released from Israeli prisons in exchange for Gaza-held hostages, according to Egyptian officials.
The current discussion revolves around 3,000 prisoners, down from 5,000 prisoners in January. Previously, Hamas demanded the release of all female prisoners and minors (aged up to 19 or 21), as well as those serving life sentences for terrorism-related convictions.
Hamas continues to advocate for the release of individuals with long terrorism-related prison terms.
The primary hurdle in negotiations remains the ceasefire's duration. Hamas insists that talks for a permanent ceasefire commence immediately following a six-week pause. Hamas has suggested a framework where the continued release of hostages during the ceasefire would depend on progress in ceasefire negotiations, as reported by Egyptian officials.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that ending the conflict is a "red line" he is unwilling to cross.
The Israeli government maintains two war objectives: Hamas's dismantlement and the hostages' release.
While Hamas has expressed readiness for a six-week ceasefire and reduced its demands for prisoner releases, it emphasizes that it will continue holding Israeli male soldiers captive until a permanent ceasefire is agreed upon and Israeli troops completely withdraw from the Gaza Strip, Egyptian officials stated.
Previously, Israeli officials indicated a willingness to discuss only the humanitarian aid aspects of the deal. According to Egyptian officials, Israel has not dispatched a technical team to Cairo to initiate indirect negotiations with Hamas.
