A nation on pins and needles – Israelis wait expectantly for news of a hostage release deal

Negotiators in Doha, Qatar resumed talks on Wednesday as many Israelis are hoping and praying for the release of the remaining hostages within the next few days. 

After officials familiar with the negotiations expressed their belief on Tuesday that a deal is closer than ever, a senior Hamas official appeared to throw cold water on the enthusiasm, claiming the terror group had not given its official response because it was waiting for Israel to detail how it would withdraw its troops from the Gaza Strip. 

The Israeli government responded, saying Hamas was only stalling for time. 

Later, the Saudi news site Al-Arabiya reported that Hamas had asked for an extension of a few hours to respond to the current proposal, saying it was still examining several clauses in the agreement. 

Earlier today, Wednesday, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who is under pressure from coalition members to support the agreement, while also being pressed by political ally Itamar Ben Gvir to oppose it, released a statement in which he did not give a clear indication of his position. 

"What stands in front of my eyes is only one thing, and that is how to achieve the full goals of the war – complete victory, the complete destruction of Hamas, both militarily and civilianly (sic), and the return of all our hostages home. I do these things behind closed doors and in serious discourse. I will not rest and will not rest until these goals are achieved,” Smotrich said. 

Meanwhile, Israeli media reported early Wednesday afternoon that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was meeting with both Ben Gvir and Smotrich in an attempt to garner support for the deal. 

A source close to cabinet members said that Netanyahu was meeting with Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz this afternoon, while the security cabinet was expected to meet Thursday morning.

Smotrich is reportedly still opposed to the deal and has threatened to join Ben Gvir in quitting the government if several demands are not met.

Qatari newspaper Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed (The New Arab) quoted a Palestinian source who said that Hamas leadership in Doha met with the leadership of Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and presented them with the final version of the ceasefire agreement. 

The source told the newspaper that the position of the factions regarding the draft is “united and positive.” 

Later, public broadcaster Kan reported that a Palestinian source told them that a “breakthrough” had been achieved in the talks and that an announcement regarding the agreement is expected for Thursday. The implementation of the agreement could begin within 24-48 hours after the announcement, the source said. 

International media, including Reuters and Axios reported that Hamas had given “a green light” to the deal, while Israeli media reported that several cabinet members were clearing their schedules for unexpected meetings later today. 

However, shortly afterward, the Prime Minister’s Office released a statement saying, “Contrary to reports, the Hamas terrorist organization has yet to provide an answer regarding the deal.” 

In the first hostage release deal, there were also many conflicting reports in the final hours before the announcement of the ceasefire agreement.