Negotiations with Hamas Fail, Division Emerges Within Israel

Tel Aviv, MINA – Israeli television Channel 12 reported that there is a consensus within Israel’s security establishment on the possibility of reaching a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas, despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s increasingly hardline stance and withdrawal of the Israeli negotiation team from Doha, Qatar.

According to anonymous sources cited by Anadolu Agency on Sunday, Israeli Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated in a closed discussion that “military pressure has created the right conditions” to secure the return of hostages, and Israel should take advantage of this opportunity to push for an agreement.

Zamir’s statement followed Netanyahu’s decision to recall the Israeli delegation from Qatar, citing the firm position of Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, who insists on guarantees for a permanent end to the war, a stance supported by the United States.

The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has not officially responded to the reports.

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Despite the stalled negotiations, Channel 12 noted that there remains a consensus within Israeli security agencies that a deal is still possible at this time.

In a press conference, Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israel would only accept a temporary ceasefire in exchange for the return of hostages, while setting new conditions for ending the war. These include disarming Palestinian resistance factions and expelling Hamas leadership from Gaza.

Hamas has repeatedly expressed willingness to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for an end to the war, full withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Israeli opposition members and the families of the hostages have accused Netanyahu of prolonging the war to appease his far-right coalition partners and maintain his political power.

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Israel estimates that 58 hostages remain in Gaza, including 20 believed to be alive. Meanwhile, over 10,100 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons, facing torture, starvation, and medical neglect, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights reports. []

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)

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