US Sees Signs of Progress in Hostage Release Plan and Temporal Relief for Gaza

US negotiators are making strides toward a tentative agreement that could see Israel halt military operations against Hamas in Gaza for a two-month period. This pause is in exchange for the release of over 100 hostages taken during the October 7 attack on Israel, as stated by two senior US officials.

The initial cessation of hostilities would enable the release of women, the elderly, and the wounded currently held by Hamas.

Following this, Israel and Hamas hope to finalize details of a second phase, in the first 30 days of the pause, that would involve releasing Israeli soldiers and male civilians. The emerging deal also calls on Israel to allow increased humanitarian aid into Gaza.

While the agreement would not end the war, US authorities are hopeful that it would lay the groundwork for a lasting solution to the conflict.

The New York Times reported first on Saturday that progress was being made towards a pause in fighting in exchange for the remaining hostages.

CIA Director Bill Burns was set to discuss the terms of the agreement at a Sunday meeting in France with Mossad Director David Barnea, Prime Minister of Qatar Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and the chief of Egyptian intelligence, Abba Kamel, focusing on the hostage negotiations. This was according to three individuals familiar with the planned meeting who were not authorized to speak publicly.

President Joe Biden had phone conversations with the President of Egypt, Abdul Fattah el-Sisi, and the ruling Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, discussing the hostage situation.

The White House issued a statement regarding Biden's call with the Qatar leader, saying, "Both leaders affirmed that a hostage deal is critical for establishing a prolonged humanitarian pause in the fighting and ensuring that life-saving humanitarian aid reaches civilians in need across Gaza."

They highlighted the urgency of the situation and praised the close cooperation between their teams to advance recent talks.

Following advise from the White House's Brett McGurk who already traveled to the Middle East for hostage negotiations earlier in the week, Burns was traveling to France for high-level talks. If Burns sees progress in France, Biden might dispatch McGurk back to the region to try to finalize a deal quickly.

McGurk's talks this week also included preparations for another trip to the Middle East by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, which could be his fifth visit to the Middle East since the war between Israel and Hamas began in October.

Both the White House and the CIA have not yet publicly confirmed Burns' meeting in France, and government members have been cautious about the likelihood of an immediate deal.

"We should not expect any imminent breakthroughs," National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated on Friday.

Biden and his advisors are acutely aware of the growing number of Palestinian casualties and widespread suffering in Gaza. This has been a source of frustration for some Democratic voters who demand more pressure on Israel to end the war. Michigan Democrats have warned the White House that Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict could cost him support among the sizeable Arab-American community in the state, potentially affecting the outcome of the 2024 elections in a key state for his re-election chances.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated the intention to continue the offensive until a complete victory over Hamas is achieved.

Netanyahu is under increasing pressure from the families of many hostages demanding a deal for the release of their loved ones.

In the October 7 attack, approximately 1,200 people died in Israel, and Hamas and other militants took about 250 people hostage. Approximately 100 hostages were released during a one-week ceasefire in November in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Around 130 remain captive, although several have since been confirmed dead.

Hamas has previously stated that it will only release more hostages in exchange for an end to the war and the liberation of thousands of Palestinian prisoners.

Hostages, Negotiations, Ceasefire