A high-ranking political source in Tel Aviv announced that the message delivered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following sessions with his reduced and expanded war cabinets on Friday indicates his rejection of proposals by Hamas. However, he is not closing the door to resuming negotiations concerning a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange.

In a move to intensify pressure on Hamas, Netanyahu's office proclaimed that the war cabinet has approved the Israeli military's plan to invade Rafah. A statement from his office mentioned that in addition to this, the Israeli military is preparing to evacuate residents and displaced persons from Rafah. It was also stated that the Israeli war cabinet examined Hamas' proposal but did not come to a decision. Netanyahu deemed Hamas' demands as "still unrealistic," according to the statement. It was also mentioned that an Israeli delegation is set to travel to Qatar to negotiate a prisoner exchange deal and ceasefire, with the intention of presenting Israel's stance.

Hamas' proposal includes a ceasefire for six weeks and a phased release of prisoners alongside negotiations for a complete cessation of hostilities. The initial phase involves releasing Israeli captives women, children, the elderly, and the sick in exchange for 700 to 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, as per Reuters. The proposal also calls for the release of 100 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails in exchange for the release of Israeli female soldiers.

According to Hamas' proposal, a permanent ceasefire date would be agreed upon following the initial hostage and prisoner exchange, with a final date for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza set after the first phase. Hamas stated that all detainees on both sides would be released in the second phase of the plan.

Israeli media, citing a senior political source, reported that Hamas’ proposals indicate slim chances of progress in negotiations. Yet, the Israeli government agreed to further deliberations in an effort to cooperate with mediators on the upcoming Doha negotiations. The source noted the Israeli war cabinet's belief that the military successfully assassinated Marwan Issa, deputy commander of Hamas’ military wing, and that Netanyahu endorsed this action, stating it could encourage progress in the negotiations.

Netanyahu had initially received Hamas’ latest proposals with skepticism on Thursday evening, despite a senior Israeli government official's assertion that the written response from Hamas, delivered by the Qatari Prime Minister to Mossad chief Dodi Barnea, contained reasonable and positively changing positions conducive to negotiating progress. Netanyahu issued an official statement downplaying the significance of Hamas’ response, claiming the group remains entrenched behind baseless demands.

Israel's official TV channel "Kan 11" quoted an informed source stating that "Hamas' answer refers to the framework of the Paris Agreement. While the group continues to demand the release of a large number of prisoners, it does not ask for the same astronomical figures it previously demanded.” Additionally, it was considered a "reasonable demand" and indicative of "positive progress in the negotiations."

Similarly, other Israeli media sources discussed the potential for a breakthrough in negotiations prior to Hamas' response. The "Walla" website reported recent days had seen progress likely to lead to a breakthrough, and Channel 12 noted "the progress occurred because the negotiations were conducted away from the public eye."

Netanyahu's dismissive response caused intense concern among the families of the Israeli captives, who had met with him just an hour before the response's arrival. They implored him not to reject or dismiss Hamas' reply, but instead to enter into negotiations with the group.

Meeting with the Families

Netanyahu had a meeting with 20 representatives of the Israeli captive families, alongside his wife Sara, a month and a half after their last meeting despite their persistent requests for an audience in recent weeks. The meeting, held on Thursday evening at the Ministry of Defense and War Command headquarters in Tel Aviv, began with a commitment to returning all kidnapped and missing persons. Netanyahu expressed readiness to proceed even if negotiations require multiple stages but claimed that Hamas persists with unacceptable and unreasonable demands, indicating hesitation on their part to move forward in negotiations. He suggested their stance might ignite tensions in the region, particularly during Ramadan. Netanyahu proclaimed he is doing everything possible to secure the prisoners’ release but cannot disclose all details to ensure the efforts' success. He refuted claims that he neglects the issue as mere lies and slander.

Netanyahu highlighted the "impact of international pressure, especially from Qatar, on Hamas." He reported that Qatar began exerting concrete pressure on Hamas, including threats to expel leaders from Doha and cut off financial support, offering evidence of sincerity. These pressures have started to show results, marking positive progress in negotiations.

Netanyahu advised families that demonstrations against him would not benefit negotiations; instead, they could be more influential by traveling abroad and meeting with Western officials.

The families responded with discomfort regarding the government's practices, as their children remained in Hamas' dreadful captivity without a government horizon for their return. They emphasized that meeting with politicians abroad is the government's job, not for families. They urged Netanyahu to shift approaches and prioritize their children's issue. Einav Tsinnauker, mother of Matan abducted from Nir Oz on October 7, demanded her son's immediate and safe return. Challenging Netanyahu, she vowed to work vigorously for his political loss should her son not be returned.

The families left the meeting feeling disappointed. Marcelo Gerson, in-law to one of the captives, explained that Netanyahu informed them the goal of freeing the hostages was tied to eliminating Hamas and that he intends to continue the war, thus they left "knowing as little hope for the boys as when we entered."

Demonstrations

Exiting the meeting with Netanyahu, the families joined a demonstration of approximately 2,000 people opposite the headquarters. Receiving news of Hamas' response and the coined “reasonable progress” was soon overshadowed by Netanyahu's response, which hardened their stance against the government. Protesters accused Netanyahu of deception and blocked the Ayalon Highway, causing clashes with police officers attempting forcefully to reopen traffic. Demonstrators implored police not to assault them but to allow them to express their anger, chanting for a deal now and the immediate achievement of an agreement, stating, "Nothing is more important than the return of the hostages."

Blinken Offers a Counterproposal

In Vienna, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on Friday that mediators are "working tirelessly to bridge the remaining gaps" towards an agreement regarding the hostages and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. During a press conference in Vienna, Blinken said, "Yes, there is a counter-proposal submitted by Hamas. Clearly, I can't get into the details of its content, but what I can say is we are working tirelessly with Israel, Qatar, and Egypt to bridge the remaining gaps and try to reach an agreement."