Tel aviv: Channel 12 revealed that intensive contacts took place between Tel Aviv and Washington last night to discuss the mechanisms for implementing the US plan for Gaza, with the aim of accelerating negotiations for a prisoner and hostage exchange deal. The channel confirmed that these discussions are taking place at high political and security levels, and that the Americans are counting on them paving the way for the start of the first phase of the agreement.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is scheduled to participate in the talks on Sunday, while the American side will be represented by envoy Steve Witkoff, with the possibility of Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law. Meanwhile, a Hamas official said that Egypt will host an "internal Palestinian dialogue" to discuss the future of Gaza and national unity, indicating the movement's readiness to begin negotiations immediately to resolve outstanding issues.
Al-Sharq newspaper reported that the deal being discussed includes the release of 250 prisoners serving life sentences, in addition to more than 1,700 detainees who have been detained since October 7. Palestinian-American negotiator Bishara Bahbah told the Hebrew-language Walla news website that Trump's plan could represent "a real end to the war and the release of all hostages," adding, "I truly believe that positive things are happening now, and I see the end of the war before my eyes."
In the past few hours, direct talks have taken place between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office and the White House, with Washington pressing for a halt to the military operation in Gaza in preparation for the implementation of the first phase of the plan, which stipulates the release of prisoners in exchange for a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces. US President Donald Trump supported Hamas's position at this stage, saying, "Israel must stop bombing Gaza immediately so that we can evacuate the hostages safely and quickly." He noted that "the ongoing discussions are not just about Gaza, but about peace in the entire Middle East." Trump emphasized that an end to the war is near, and that "everyone will be treated fairly."