After Trump’s pressure, talks over a potential hostage deal in Gaza may soon resume.
With an Israeli delegation reportedly traveling to Cairo, there is growing optimism for a cease-fire and the release of hostages.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed hope that progress could be made on a hostage deal with renewed Gaza cease-fire talks.
Reports from a Qatari newspaper indicated that an Israeli delegation led by Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar would engage in discussions in Cairo on December 5 regarding a potential agreement on hostages and a cease-fire.
Katz credited the improved prospects to the pressure exerted by the Israeli military on Hamas.
This positive development follows the initiation of a Lebanon cease-fire on November 27.
On December 2, President-elect Donald Trump warned of severe consequences in the Middle East if hostages held in Gaza were not released before his inauguration.
Trump’s nominee for national security adviser, Mike Waltz, was scheduled to meet with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer on December 4.
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Hezbollah, previously adamant about a cease-fire linked to Israel’s Gaza withdrawal, suffered significant losses in recent months.
The Israeli military targeted many top leaders of the terrorist group, including Hassan Nasrallah, through precision air strikes.
An unconventional strike on September 17 using exploding pagers and radios further weakened Hezbollah’s leadership, resulting in casualties and injuries.
Hamas also faced losses during over a year of conflict initiated by the October 7 attack on Israel.
Trump’s imminent return to office could be easing a year-long diplomatic stalemate.
Efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to broker a cease-fire and Israeli retreat from Gaza in exchange for the release of approximately 100 hostages, some of whom are feared dead, have been unsuccessful.
The President vowed harsh consequences for those responsible for holding hostages in Gaza.
Israel’s Prime Minister expressed gratitude for Trump’s stance, while ministers endorsed the president-elect’s approach.
Trump’s comments were seen as directed at Netanyahu by a senior Hamas official, who accused him of thwarting hostage exchange agreements.
Recent threats by Hamas against the hostages have raised concerns.
Talks between Hamas and Fatah for post-war unity government collaboration in Gaza appear to have failed.
The Associated Press and Reuters also contributed to this report.
