Israeli delegation arrived in Doha on Friday for continued hostage negotiations

Israel sent a delegation to Doha, Qatar, on Friday to continue hostage release deal negotiations. While officials tempered optimism, they told i24 News that "there is enough common ground to launch the new round" in hopes of reaching a deal.

On Thursday evening, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally approved "a professional delegation from the Mossad, Shin Bet and the IDF to continue the negotiations."  

In an earlier meeting, Israel's envoy for hostages and missing citizens, Gal Hirsch, reassured the families of the hostages that reports of a supposed "deadlock" in the talks were false, emphasizing that negotiations were continuing with utmost confidentiality and significant efforts.

Hirsch noted that the ongoing agreement is focused on securing the return of all hostages, despite Israel's refusal to meet Hamas' demand for a ceasefire in Gaza.

At this time, the Hamas terrorist organization has yet to provide a list of the names of hostages who are still alive. However, according to Ynet News, “Hamas is willing to release a double-digit number of live hostages, while Israel is pushing to increase the figure.”

The proposal is expected to be presented to Israel in order to secure a deal before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump assumes office on Jan. 20.

Egyptian sources told the Al-Araby Al-Jadeed news outlet that Hamas is willing to accept a "one-phase" agreement for the release of all hostages, contingent on Israel withdrawing from Gaza and ending the war within a specified timeframe.

Discussions also addressed territorial disputes over the IDF's decision to station soldiers along the Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors. Hamas is seeking a significant reduction of IDF control in these areas, while Israel is open to considering this at later stages.