Despite denial from US officials, senior Hamas official Bassem Naim confirmed that the terror organization is holding direct talks with the US, Israeli media reported Thursday, citing an interview with Sky News in Arabic.
"We believe that President Trump is doing the hard work of reducing tensions in the region, which is what motivates us to continue communicating with the American administration, regardless of the team," Naim said.
Naim also claimed that Hamas told the deal mediators and the US that Hamas is ready to return all the hostages immediately if the terror group receives a promise that it will lead to an end to the war and the entry of aid into Gaza.
On the Israeli side, there have been difficulties in renewed hostage negotiations in Doha, and no progress has been made, sources familiar with the details told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday.
Additionally, the security cabinet will not convene until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Three Israeli officials told the Post on Wednesday that "there are no indications from the talks in Qatar that Hamas's position is shifting in a way that would allow for a deal. There is no reason for optimism."
Israeli officials said it is possible that Hamas's leadership abroad is "stalling for time" until they learn the fate of Mohammad Sinwar, the Hamas leader in Gaza, whom Israel attempted to assassinate on Tuesday in Khan Younis.
Only the Witkoff framework is viable
A senior Israeli official told the Post that Israel continues to make it clear in Doha that only the “Witkoff Framework” is a viable path to a deal, which includes the release of 10 hostages, a 40-50 day ceasefire, the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, and a return to fighting if no other deal is reached by the end of the ceasefire.