There has been “significant progress” in Gaza hostage release talks in Doha, according to several Hebrew-language media reports, after the mediating states presented to Israel and Hamas an updated ceasefire proposal.
“We are close to a decisive moment,” a senior official tells Channel 12. “There is tangible progress.”
“There is a green light from the prime minister to move forward on many issues,” the official continues. “The situation is encouraging.”
Diplomats told The Times of Israel yesterday that the new maps submitted by Israel would not have IDF troops holding on to the Morag Corridor.
The senior official says Israel would hold a zone 1.5 kilometers wide along the Egypt-Gaza border, and about 1 kilometer around the rest of the Strip.
The sides have not yet agreed on how many Palestinian prisoners will be released for every hostage Hamas frees, says the official, while adding that the issue is not expected to prove an obstacle for a deal.
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al Thani is expected to meet the Hamas delegation in Doha on Saturday after discussing the Gaza ceasefire efforts with US President Donald Trump in the White House yesterday, Channel 12 reports. Mediators expect Hamas to present more changes to the new proposal, but nothing that will be a dealbreaker.
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From the Liveblog of
Thursday, July 17, 2025
