Deal Approaches
Witkoff and Jared Kushner Believe a Deal is Imminent
US President Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, vowed in conversations with associates not to leave Egypt until a hostage release deal is secured. Simultaneously, preparations are underway for the possibility of the President arriving in Israel if a deal is signed soon and all hostages are released from Hamas captivity.
A dramatic report published today (Wednesday) in the New York Post suggests that President Trump's envoys are more determined than ever to end the war in the current round.
According to the report, the two senior American officials vowed not to leave Egypt until an agreement is signed.
Meanwhile, according to a report by correspondent Itamar Eichner published today in Ynet, Israel is preparing for the possibility that President Trump will arrive within days to celebrate the signing of the agreement for the release of hostages and the end of the war, if and when it happens.
The same report indicates that similar preparations are underway at the White House for a possible trip by President Trump to the Middle East in general, and to Israel in particular.
Yesterday evening, Egyptian President El-Sisi expressed optimism regarding the talks and even invited the US President to a signing ceremony when the conditions mature.
The Egyptian President said: "I call on Trump to continue his support for reaching an agreement regarding Gaza. Trump sent his envoys with a clear mission to work towards ending the war." The Egyptian President added: "We support the diplomatic efforts currently taking place in Sharm el-Sheikh to stop the war in Gaza. Egypt is making relentless efforts to end the war. We appreciate President Trump's efforts. No one can threaten Egypt. The Egyptian state can overcome any challenge and deal with any threat."
According to a report in Axios, a senior US official stated that "Bibi has done an excellent job. The military pressure was critical in making Hamas more pragmatic. But now Bibi must understand that it is time for a deal," which seemingly suggests that pressure will be exerted heavily on Israel as well.
Israeli sources who spoke about the progress in the talks were careful not to sound overly optimistic.
At this stage, several points of contention still remain between Israel and the terror organization. Hamas demands an Israeli commitment to end the war regardless of the issue of demilitarization, and also requested to raise the number of murderers to be released from 250 to 300. The practical meaning is an almost complete emptying of Israeli prisons of murderers with Jewish blood on their hands.
There is also a dispute between Hamas and Israel over whether Israel has the right of veto over the names of the terrorists to be released as part of the deal. The talks are currently continuing, with Ron Dermer and other senior Israeli officials joining today, alongside Witkoff and Kushner from the American side.
For the first time in two years, Turkey is playing a central role in the negotiation talks with Hamas. In addition, officials from Turkey, a country considered one of the closest to the Hamas terror organization, also joined today's talks in Sharm el-Sheikh.
Turkish President Erdogan stated today (Wednesday) that his country's joining the talks occurred under pressure from President Trump, who personally requested his assistance with Hamas.
According to a quote in Reuters, Erdogan noted: "We have been in contact with Hamas throughout this entire process. We are in contact with them now as well."
He added that at the request of President Trump, "We are explaining to them what is the most appropriate path, what needs to be done for Palestine to move forward with commitment to the future."
"Both during our visit to America and in our last phone call, we explained to Mr. Trump how a solution can be achieved in Palestine," said the Muslim Brotherhood affiliate, referring to his visit to the White House last month.
The head of the Turkish team for the negotiation talks between Israel and Hamas is the "Master Spy," as he was dubbed by Reuters, the head of Turkish Intelligence, Ibrahim Kalin.
Despite his involvement in previous talks in Doha, the Turkish involvement is now more significantly felt with Hamas, as mentioned, at the request of President Trump.
Erdogan's remarks suggest that Trump is the one who pressed Turkey to join the talks, although it is unclear if this was done with Israel's consent given Turkey's close ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.