Saudi report says Hamas under pressure to show flexibility, but unclear if new talks in offing

Saudi news outlet al-Hadath quotes a Palestinian source saying that Israeli reports indicating that the government is leaning toward a major expansion of military action in Gaza, including taking over the whole Strip, appear to “precede a new round of negotiations in the coming days.”

It is unclear if the source is speaking from knowledge of actual plans for talks or speculating on the subtext for the reports.

The source is quoted saying that contacts have continued since talks broke down late last month, and that there is heavy pressure from all sides on Hamas to show more flexibility.

The negotiators have not closed the door to a partial deal, the outlet cites the source as saying.

The tone is starkly different in Israel, where reports continue to portray Jerusalem’s view as being that talks are hopeless, pushing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu toward seeking to meet the war’s goals via an expansion of fighting.

Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s point man on hostage issues, sent a message to families of captives tonight telling them that the issue, including the negotiations, is continuing to be discussed at the highest levels, the Ynet news site reports.

“Since the return of the delegation from Doha, there have been constant situational assessments dealing with the state of the hostages, the state of talks, and plans for various alternatives,” he told them in a message, according to the report. “We are working through the whole range of our abilities and in various ways in an effort to free the hostages.”

Two defense officials tells Reuters that the military is expected Tuesday to present the political leadership with alternatives that include extending into areas of Gaza where it has not yet operated.

While some in the cabinet are pushing for expanding the offensive, the military is concerned that doing so will endanger the 20 hostages who are still alive, the officials say.