Netanyahu orders preparations for talks on US proposal for Gaza

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli Media
16 Mar 2025 10:37

Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed his negotiating team to prepare for talks regarding Steve Witkoff's Gaza proposal, which entails the release of 11 living captives and a number of dead ones.

Listen

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to reporters after meeting with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., at the Capitol in Washington, on February 7, 2025. (AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed the occupation's captive negotiation team on Saturday evening to prepare for further discussions in Doha following a proposal from US special envoy Steve Witkoff, under which 11 living captives would be released.

The directive followed a high-level meeting between Netanyahu, top aides, and security officials, where officials briefed him on the latest developments in the ongoing negotiations. The delegation had returned from Doha on Friday.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Witkoff’s proposal calls for the immediate release of 11 living captives along with half of the deceased ones.

Hamas demands guarantees as talks stall on phase two: Exclusive

A senior Palestinian Resistance official told Al Mayadeen on Saturday that "a significant gap remains between Hamas and "Israel’s" proposals regarding the implementation of Phase Two" of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza.

The official explained that "Israel insists on securing the release of around 10 living captives before engaging in negotiations for the second phase."

Meanwhile, "Hamas maintains that clear and binding guarantees must be in place before entering negotiations for Phase Two and prior to any prisoner release," he added.

The remarks follow Hamas’ agreement on Friday to release an Israeli soldier with American citizenship, along with the remains of four other dual nationals.

In a statement, Hamas said it had received a proposal from mediators on Thursday to resume negotiations on a ceasefire and prisoner exchange in Gaza, emphasizing that it had handled the proposal "with responsibility and positivity."

The movement confirmed that it had submitted its response in the early hours of the morning, agreeing to "release Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, who holds US citizenship, as well as the remains of four other dual nationals."

Hamas reaffirmed its full readiness to engage in negotiations and reach a comprehensive agreement on all issues related to Phase Two while calling for "Israel" to be held accountable for fulfilling its commitments in full.