Israeli officials confirmed reports in Arab media that agreements or near-agreements had been reached on some withdrawal map details.
However, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed strong opposition to a deal, saying, “It’s a huge mistake to make a deal with them now. I support bringing Hamas to its knees. A deal would give Hamas breathing room to recover.”
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Rally calling for the release of the hostages and an end to the war in Gaza
(Photo: REUTERS/Ammar Awad)
Qatar’s Al-Araby channel reported Wednesday on a new round of ceasefire talks in Doha, with Israel expected to submit revised withdrawal maps to mediators. Hamas insists on a full Israeli withdrawal to positions held before March 2, rejecting Israel’s concessions as insufficient.
Senior Israeli officials described the negotiations as difficult but promising. “The chances of a deal are greater than the chances of no deal,” a senior Security Cabinet member said. Another official added, “Netanyahu has made significant concessions, and we are very close to an agreement.”
