Israel Delegation Returns from Marathon Talks, Ceasefire Expected Before Ramadan

The Israeli delegation, led by Mossad Chief David Barnea and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, has returned to Jerusalem following extensive mediation discussions held in Paris and Cairo with US, Qatari, and Egyptian officials.

Sources within the Israel Defence Ministry report that Chief Barnea has provided informal briefings to members of the Israeli War Cabinet, indicating a high likelihood of a ceasefire agreement before the start of Ramadan on March 10.

According to the same sources, Hamas has shown significant willingness to accept Israel’s proposed terms, including the release of all hostages, including the bodies of deceased individuals.

In the event that negotiations fail, Israel has communicated its intention to escalate ground operations in the Rafah area of the Gaza Strip, which is densely populated with women and children.

Furthermore, Israel has committed to the rehabilitation of displaced Palestinians from northern Gaza. The negotiations involved key figures from both sides, including Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, CIA Chief William Burns, and Egyptian Intelligence Chief Abbas Kamel, alongside the Israeli delegation led by David Barnea and Ronen Bar.

Intake of this news

1. Mediation Efforts: The Israeli delegation, headed by Mossad Chief David Barnea and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, engaged in extensive mediation talks in Paris and Cairo with officials from the US, Qatar, and Egypt.
2. Ceasefire Prospects: Mossad Chief Barnea, in informal briefings to the Israeli War Cabinet, indicated a high probability of a ceasefire agreement before the onset of Ramadan on March 10.
3. Hamas Concessions: Sources within the Israel Defence Ministry revealed that Hamas has shown willingness to accept several of Israel’s proposals, including the release of hostages and deceased individuals’ bodies.
4. Escalation Warning: In the event of failed negotiations, Israel has signaled its readiness to intensify ground operations in the densely populated Rafah area of the Gaza Strip, which houses a significant number of civilians.
5. Rehabilitation Commitment: Israel has agreed to participate in the rehabilitation of displaced Palestinians from northern Gaza.
6. Key Figures in Negotiations: The talks involved prominent figures from various parties, including Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, CIA Chief William Burns, and Egyptian Intelligence Chief Abbas Kamel, alongside the Israeli delegation led by Barnea and Bar.