From the Liveblog of
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Saudi report: Progress made in talks over continuation of deal after ‘intensive discussions’
Unnamed Palestinian sources tell Saudi news outlet Al Sharq that progress has been made in indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas over the precarious ceasefire and hostage release deal.
A source tells the outlet that mediators “held intensive discussions, and a preliminary Israeli commitment was obtained to implement the provisions of the humanitarian protocol starting Thursday morning.”
The source says the Palestinians are “waiting for confirmation from the mediators” that trailer, tents, fuel, heavy equipment, medicines and hospital renovation materials will enter the Strip.
“Hamas is waiting to see implementation on the ground,” the source says.
Israel has reportedly sent a message to Hamas through mediators Egypt and Qatar that the hostage release-ceasefire deal will continue if the terror group releases three hostages, as scheduled, on Saturday.
The message came a day after Israel put out a series of conflicting statements, including by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which said Hamas must release “our hostages,” “9 hostages,” and “all of them” for the ceasefire to continue.
It was reported yesterday that if Israel gives its approval for the trailers today, Hamas will announce the names of the three hostages to be released.
