Negotiators Hand Netanyahu Document Indicating Hamas is Now Ready for a 'Partial Deal'

SadaNews Translation - Senior Israeli officials involved in the negotiations submitted a document to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday (Thursday), indicating that Hamas has changed its position from the stances it presented three weeks ago that led to the collapse of the talks, according to officials familiar with the document.

Channel 12 Hebrew, according to SadaNews translation, reported that the document includes an assessment that Hamas has changed its stance and is now interested in reaching a "partial deal" for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza.

It added, "The document was prepared and approved by senior officials, and Netanyahu will find it difficult to ignore its conclusions.

"The document was sent to Netanyahu on Thursday in light of the new policy he put in place, under which Israel rejects any partial deal and will only agree to a comprehensive deal that includes the release of all hostages in exchange for ending the war on Israel's terms."

Israeli officials noted that the new document states that Hamas has changed its approach regarding the positions it presented in response to the mediators about three weeks ago, which led to the collapse of the talks. It is now interested in returning to negotiations for a "partial deal" according to the Whitkoff plan, which includes the release of 10 live Israeli hostages and 18 deceased ones in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

The head of the Mossad, David Barnea, visited Doha on Thursday and met with the Qatari Prime Minister to discuss the hostage deal and ceasefire in Gaza.

A source familiar with the details reported that Barnea asked the Qatari Prime Minister to clarify to Hamas that the Israeli government's decision to occupy the city of Gaza is not a psychological war or a deception, and that the Israeli army will take action if Hamas does not agree to a deal for the release of the hostages.

In light of the Israeli announcement and preparations for the occupation of the city of Gaza, mediators behind the scenes indicate that Hamas, in their discussions with the movement, is willing to show flexibility and is interested in returning to the American envoy to the Middle East, Steve Whitkoff's, plan, which includes the release of 10 live hostages in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire, including discussions to end the war. Hamas is expected to respond this time very quickly.

The Qatari delegation arrived in Cairo today to advance the negotiations. Mediators convey the message that Hamas's response this time is expected to come quickly – perhaps as early as next week.

According to Channel 12 Hebrew, according to SadaNews translation, "If Hamas agrees to a partial deal, dramatic developments are expected in Israel after Netanyahu stated that there will be no more partial deals."

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer was very firm in the government meeting, stating, "We must make a decision – either everything or nothing."

In contrast, all heads of Israeli security agencies, including National Security Council Chairman Tzachi Hanegbi, affirm that this is an opportunity that should not be missed, with the possibility of releasing ten live hostages and 18 deceased ones.

The Israeli Chief of Staff, the head of the Mossad, and the acting head of the Israel Security Agency (Shabak) are expected to do their utmost to ensure that the deal does not collapse and reaches a decision by the Israeli government.

If a partial deal can indeed be reached, it will be opposed by Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Betzalel Smotrich, who may resign from the government. On the other hand, Likud ministers may support such a deal that would lead to the release of 28 hostages - both alive and deceased.