The US reports that the Paris peace talks have reached a “understanding” over a possible settlement involving Hamas hostages

WASHINGTON DC: According to CNN, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that the parties had reached a “understanding” over the fundamental parameters of a possible agreement to free hostages held by the terrorist organization Hamas in return for a short-term cease-fire in Gaza.

Negotiators from Egypt and Qatar are holding discussions in Paris on Friday with a group from Israel that includes David Barnea, the director of Mossad, and Bill Burns, the head of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

According to CNN, Hamas and Israel supposedly communicate via middlemen, Egypt and Qatar, rather than directly with one another.

“In Paris, the delegates of Israel, the US, Egypt, and Qatar convened and reached a consensus over the fundamental parameters of a hostage exchange for a short-term truce. Sullivan was quoted by CNN as adding, “I’m not going to get into the specifics of that because we’re still working out the details.”
Furthermore, on Sunday night, Hamas received an update on the Paris negotiations. However, as negotiators continue to learn the specifics, any potential final agreement is still, at the very least, days away.

“Since Hamas must finally agree to release the prisoners, Qatar and Egypt will need to conduct indirect conversations with them. That task is currently in progress. And we’re hoping that over the next few days, we can move toward a real, comprehensive agreement on this matter. However, we’ll just have to wait and see,” he said.
In response to a question on his level of optimism over a possible agreement, Sullivan indicated he would not take a percentage risk on it and withheld more information.

“There has been a great deal of back and forth. Therefore, I won’t forecast anything or kind of stake a percentage on it,” he said.
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that his country wishes to free the last captives in Gaza, saying, “We are all working on it.” We’re interested in it. I’m interested in it.
CNN stated that he said the agreement was being delayed by Hamas’ “crazy” demands.

Moreover, a diplomat and other sources said that the negotiators will resume their talks in Doha on Monday. They said that the discussions would be between working-level officials and will concentrate on resolving technical problems.
To further add to the specifics, participants in the negotiations will include representatives from the US, Israel, Qatar, Egypt, and other countries participating in the Paris talks. These will include CIA officers from the US side.
Notably, the Israeli prime minister has emphasized time and time again that Israel would not stop the conflict in Gaza until it eliminates Hamas’ leadership and frees the captives.