Relatives of former US President Donald Trump have delivered a message to the family of Idan Alexander, a hostage Israeli soldier with dual US citizenship, indicating that Trump wants to reach a deal before returning to the White House. In this context, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confided to Yael, Idan's mother: “The conditions are ripe after the end of the war in the north for the return of the hostages” before adding: “Things are happening behind the scenes that I can't share.”
A security meeting is planned at the Prime Minister's office to restart negotiations. At the same time, a Hamas delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, meets with senior Egyptian officials in Cairo, in the presence of Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad.
Egyptian sources raise the possibility of a compromise on the Philadelphi or Netzarim axis, where Israeli forces could maintain a presence without carrying out active operations. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said at the Israel Hayom security conference: “There are indications of greater flexibility due to the circumstances created, notably the agreement in Lebanon. We We'll know more in the coming days.”
According to the Wall Street Journal, a new proposal provides for a minimum 60-day ceasefire, during which Israel would maintain its positions in Gaza. The release of the hostages would begin seven days after the truce comes into effect, and the Rafah crossing would be reopened from the start.
Israeli security officials warn of a paradox: “If the IDF continues to dismantle Hamas further, the mechanism capable of bringing back the hostages could collapse.” They fear that in the resulting chaos the hostages could be killed, with Hamas risking losing control over them.
