Something is moving, albeit slowly and hesitantly. During the opening of the winter session of the Knesset, Benyamin Netanyahu announced that “Israel is engaged in an agreement with Hamas” to free “some” hostages in exchange for several days of ceasefire in Gaza. In the meantime, the families of the hostages are protesting against the prime minister, accusing him of not acting for the fate of their loved ones, despite the military successes achieved. Internal pressure within the government is increasing, with Benny Gantz, former member of the national emergency government, demanding concessions “even at a high price”.

Hamas has also shown openness to a possible agreement, while maintaining its own conditions. For his part, US President Joe Biden is trying to exert his influence just days before the White House elections, stressing the urgency of ending the war in Gaza.

The basis of negotiations discussed in Doha by Mossad chief David Barnea, CIA director Bill Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin al Thani is known as the “Egyptian proposal”. It includes the release of four hostages (out of about one hundred still held in the Strip, over thirty of whom are believed to be dead) in exchange for a two-day truce and the release of some Palestinian prisoners. Netanyahu’s office confirmed that this is a “new framework” that integrates previous proposals and takes into account recent developments in the region.

Hamas sources said they were willing to accept Cairo’s proposal but insisted on a future agreement that would include a permanent ceasefire and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Strip. However, this request could further complicate initial negotiations for a temporary truce and hostage exchange.

Israeli officials said there has been no official response from Hamas to Israel or the mediators involved. In this uncertain context, they wonder who is really leading the negotiations after the death of leader Yahya Sinwar. One official told The Times of Israel that if Hamas were to demand an end to the war as a condition, they would not be willing to accept.

Discussions in Doha also included issues related to the war in Lebanon and Iran’s influence in the region. Netanyahu warned the Knesset about Iran’s attempts to build nuclear weapons and promised to continue relations with other Arab countries that were cut off by the October 7 attack. Meanwhile, the situation remains critical: the death toll in Gaza exceeds 43,000 according to data provided by Hamas and clashes continue along the Lebanese border. Despite international appeals, the Knesset passed a law limiting UNRWA’s activities in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.