Another official familiar with the talks told the Post that Hamas has also partially severed ties with Qatar and Egypt. There is growing pessimism in Israel over the possibility that Hamas will show flexibility and return to the negotiating table, an Israeli source told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday. The feeling within the government is that the talks are nearing collapse, an Israeli official said. “It now seems that an expanded military operation in Gaza is inevitable,” the official said.
“Hamas has cut off contact,” an Israeli source said. “There are no real negotiations with them.” Hamas has also partially severed ties with Qatar and Egypt, another official familiar with the talks told the Post.“At the moment, they are primarily engaged in talks with Turkey,” the source said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff met on Thursday for nearly three hours. Part of the meeting was held privately, one-on-one, and the rest included a broader discussion with Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and other senior officials, an Israeli official told the Post. (Read More)
