Senior Israeli official: If we don’t show flexibility, there won’t be a hostage deal

A senior Israeli official with knowledge of negotiations for a hostage-ceasefire deal in Gaza tells Channel 12 there will be no progress if Israel does not show some flexibility in its demands.

“They’re pulling the wool over the eyes of the public and hostages’ families,” the anonymous source says, regarding hopes a deal comfortable for Israel is now more likely with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar dead. “If there is no flexibility in Israel’s position, there will be no deal, just as previous deals fell through.”

Israel and Hamas have clashed in negotiating rooms over whether a ceasefire will constitute an end to the war; over the numbers and identities of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners to be freed; over whether Israel will maintain control over the Gaza-Egypt border; over whether Israel will allow a return of residents to north Gaza; and more.