Families of Israeli prisoners continue to pressure Netanyahu's government to conclude a deal to return their children (European)

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said he believes there is a framework for reaching a new agreement between the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and Israel, while the small security ministerial council will hold a meeting tonight under the chairmanship of Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss proposals for a possible deal.

During an interview with CNN, Kirby described the talks that took place in Paris to discuss the features of a new prisoner exchange deal as “constructive.”

He continued, "We believe that there is a framework for another agreement on the hostages. This could make a difference in terms of removing more hostages, delivering more aid, and actually reducing violence."

He added that the discussions that took place with Qatari, Egyptian and Israeli officials were very good, but he said, "We have not crossed the finish line yet...but we feel satisfied with the discussions, their course, and the promise of accomplishing something that may be very important."

CIA Director William Burns and US Middle East envoy Brett McGurk participated in a series of negotiations over the past few days regarding the exchange of prisoners and reaching a truce in Gaza.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister: Hamas was not an obstacle to the two-state solution after the Oslo Accords, and Israel has always been the obstacle, and we do not accept dealing with the Gaza Strip in isolation from the West Bank #Gaza_War #News pic.twitter.com/fhXSovYPb2

- Al Jazeera Channel (@AJArabic) January 29, 2024

'Talks are improving'

For his part, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani said that progress was made yesterday regarding laying the foundation for moving forward on the issue of detainees, indicating that the talks are improving compared to previous weeks, and that their current stage may lead to a permanent ceasefire. In the future.

But he warned - during a dialogue at the Atlantic Council in Washington - that the current escalation in Gaza will not lead to any progress regarding the return of detainees.

Sheikh Mohammed stressed that Qatar's role is to mediate and seek to bridge the gap and not to put pressure on the parties, and it cannot predict the response of Hamas.

Regarding resolving the Palestinian issue, the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister indicated that Hamas was not an obstacle to the two-state solution, but Israel was always the obstacle.

On the other hand, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority said that the discussions held in Paris with the participation of Israel, the United States, Egypt and Qatar, ended with progress in the talks on the exchange of prisoners.

The authority quoted an Israeli political source as saying that the discussions dealt with the plan to release Israeli prisoners in stages.

The source added that the parties discussed a ceasefire for approximately two months, in exchange for the release of about 100 Israeli prisoners, with Israel releasing a large number of Palestinian prisoners.

For its part, Hamas reiterated today that the prisoner exchange is contingent on the cessation of the war on Gaza and the withdrawal of the occupation forces.

Sami Abu Zuhri, head of Hamas's political department abroad, said in a statement to Reuters, "The success of the Paris meeting depends on the extent of the occupation's response to stopping the comprehensive aggression against Gaza."

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today that Qatar has “tremendous influence” over Hamas.

He added - in statements to the British Talk TV channel - "I think we must demand that Qatar, which hosts Hamas... release the rest of our hostages. I think the whole world is following the Qatari role."

With Qatari-Egyptian-American mediation, Hamas and Israel reached a temporary truce last November 24 that lasted a week, during which prisoners were exchanged and limited humanitarian aid was brought into Gaza.

Source: Al Jazeera + agencies