Breakthrough in Sight: Intensive Negotiations Escalate to Secure Release of More Hostages Held by Hamas

Ongoing negotiations are taking place to secure the release of a significant number of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, according to two sources and a western diplomat familiar with the discussions. However, these negotiations are becoming more complex due to various factors. The United States, Israel, Qatar, Egypt, and Hamas are all involved in these ongoing deliberations. Up to this point, four hostages, two American and two Israeli, have already been freed. The current objective is to achieve a deal for the release of a larger group of hostages altogether.

Israel is urging for a comprehensive plan to be implemented for the release of the remaining hostages, as only two sets of two hostages have been freed thus far, according to another source. Israel has stated that there are over 200 hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza.

Up until now, Israel has refrained from launching a ground incursion into Gaza, and the United States has been urging Israel to postpone its invasion in order to facilitate the release of additional hostages held by Hamas.

The ground invasion's timing is seen as flexible, according to insider sources. The delay lacks a specific timeline, but insiders believe the Israelis won't postpone it for more than a few days.

Hamas is pushing for an increase in the amount of fuel permitted into the coastal enclave during the negotiations, as stated by a source knowledgeable about the group's demands. However, Israeli officials have publicly asserted that this request is non-negotiable.

Ambassador Mark Regev, a senior adviser to the prime minister, conveyed the government's perspective on the matter to CNN on Monday evening. He declared, "The government's decision is that fuel cannot be permitted, as it will be appropriated by Hamas and employed to fuel rockets that aim to kill our people within Israel." Regev emphasized that Israel will maintain its stance of not allowing additional fuel into Gaza, even if Hamas were to release all of the hostages.

Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi stated in a speech on Tuesday that the Israel Defense Forces will take steps to ensure access to fuel in Gaza to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. However, he emphasized that the fuel will not be allowed to reach Hamas, as their intention is to stop them from using it to further their fight against Israeli citizens.

During a telephone conversation on Monday evening, President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the ongoing situation related to the hostages, as preparations for a ground invasion continue.

Following the call, the White House stated, "The President expressed his satisfaction with the release of two more hostages from Gaza earlier today, and reiterated his dedication to ongoing endeavors to secure the freedom of all the remaining hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of ensuring safe passage for US citizens and other civilians in Gaza."

Determining the release of a larger group of hostages, if it is eventually approved, has been an exceedingly intricate task. Gaza has faced continuous Israeli bombardment since Hamas initiated an attack on October 7th, which poses a risk to relocating a sizable number of individuals while the strikes persist.

Out of the ten hostages yet to be located, nine are United States citizens, and one is a permanent resident. US authorities are diligently seeking "alternatives" to expedite the hostage negotiations, as mentioned by a US official. "We are actively working on it," they confirmed.

The hostages, as previously stated by US officials, are believed to be in various locations within Gaza, which further adds to the complexity of the situation. When questioned on Monday about whether the US would endorse a "hostages-for-a-ceasefire" agreement, Biden expressed the need for a ceasefire initially, but promptly corrected himself, emphasizing the importance of securing the release of the hostages before proceeding with any negotiations.

Israeli officials have consistently refused to agree to a ceasefire, expressing unwavering determination.

"Our efforts span various channels to secure the release of all hostages. Our objective remains unchanged, and we are resolute in achieving it. Disassembling Hamas is a formidable undertaking that will require whatever time it necessitates," stated an official from the Israeli prime minister's office.