Watan-Israeli media reported Thursday a major breakthrough in the prisoner swap negotiations between Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza. This comes amid growing signs that a ceasefire agreement may soon be announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, possibly within days.
Israeli officials said Trump could unveil the deal during his upcoming Monday meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington.
Sources said there is cautious optimism in Israeli political circles about the progress in negotiations with Hamas, which may soon approve a revised proposal—paving the way for indirect “proximity talks” between the parties.
According to Israeli officials, Trump’s intention to announce the agreement has prompted Tel Aviv to expedite preparations for indirect negotiations with Hamas, likely to be held in Doha, Qatar.
Netanyahu Signals Approval, Awaits Hamas Response
Earlier Thursday, Israel’s public broadcaster reported that Netanyahu informed families of captives held in Gaza of his approval of a proposed prisoner exchange deal. He made the remarks during his first visit to Kibbutz Nir Oz, near northern Gaza, since the October 7 attack.
Netanyahu reportedly told them that Israel had accepted the latest mediator proposal and was now awaiting Hamas’s response.
Just days earlier, Trump claimed that Israel had agreed to the key terms of a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, and expressed hope that Hamas would also accept the plan.
Hamas: Ceasefire for Hostages and End to War
Hamas has repeatedly declared its willingness to release Israeli captives in exchange for:
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A full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza
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An end to the ongoing genocide
However, Netanyahu has so far proposed only partial deals, aiming to maintain the war effort, while avoiding total ceasefire commitments.
Netanyahu reportedly told families:“There is an agreement, and we hope to announce it soon.”
Sources close to the negotiations said Hamas is expected to respond within hours, and that the reply is likely to be positive. If so, new indirect negotiation rounds are expected to be coordinated in Doha.
Outstanding Issues
According to Israeli media, the remaining points of contention include:
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Withdrawal mechanisms for Israeli forces
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Zones of redeployment
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Number and identity of Palestinian prisoners to be released
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And, ultimately, the terms for ending the war
An Arab diplomat involved in mediation said:“We are more optimistic than ever, but last-minute hurdles could still arise.”
Israel’s security cabinet was expected to meet Thursday night to discuss the potential agreement.
Palestinian Response Still Pending
Palestinian sources confirmed that Hamas is leaning toward accepting the Qatari-Egyptian proposal, but has not finalized its decision yet. Consultations are ongoing with other Palestinian factions before delivering an official response to the mediators.
On Wednesday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar noted there were “positive signals” regarding a possible deal.
Hamas, for its part, issued a statement confirming that it is reviewing the mediator proposals aimed at ending the war, ensuring Israeli withdrawal, and enabling humanitarian relief.
Netanyahu Under Pressure from the Far Right
Israeli opposition leaders argue that Netanyahu is prolonging the war to appease far-right coalition partners and preserve his own political power. Critics say he has repeatedly derailed ceasefire efforts with new conditions or delays.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has waged a devastating war on Gaza, characterized by:
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Mass killings
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Starvation and siege
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Forced displacement
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Destruction of infrastructure
This war has continued in defiance of international calls and orders from the International Court of Justice to stop.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, as of mid-2025, the war has resulted in:
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Over 192,000 Palestinians killed or injured (mostly women and children)
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More than 10,000 missing
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Hundreds of thousands displaced
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And a famine that has already claimed the lives of many—including children
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