Israeli official: Some progress in hostage deal talks, negotiations expected to intensify

By Lazar Berman

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1 April 2024, 2:28 pm

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Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

Relatives and supporters of the hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas terror group attend a rally calling for their release in Tel Aviv, March 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

There has been some progress in hostage talks in Cairo, an Israeli official tells The Times of Israel, and negotiations are expected to intensify noticeably in the coming days.

The talks are being held in Cairo amid growing Israeli frustration with Qatar’s effectiveness as a mediator and its willingness to put pressure on Hamas.

The continuation of talks will likely influence decisions made around an IDF operation in Rafah, the official says.

“The two topics are linked,” says the official, adding that “the hostages are the first priority.”