ALBAWABA - In order to achieve a truce in the Gaza Strip and make it easier for humanitarian supplies to enter, Hamas is engaged in direct and advanced talks with the U.S. administration, a senior Hamas official acknowledged on Sunday. According to reports, the negotiations have been going on for a few days.
The talks center on resolving the humanitarian situation in the besieged area and bringing an end to the conflict, which is currently in its twentieth month, the official told Al Jazeera.
A senior Palestinian source also told Reuters that the goal of the talks with the United States is to put a stop to the fighting and get much-needed aid into Gaza.
U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East Steven Weitekamp is reportedly working with Israel, Egypt, and Qatar, who act as middlemen with Hamas, to discuss a possible prisoner swap and investigate a broader peace agreement, according to an Axios article.
Before or during President Donald Trump's impending trip to the area in mid-May, Weitekamp has also voiced expectations for a breakthrough.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called a high-level security conference with defense officials and senior ministers on Sunday night to discuss the possibilities of starting full-scale military operations in Gaza or proceeding with a prisoner exchange in the midst of the increasing diplomatic activity.
Meanwhile, Israel's Security Cabinet will meet at 6:30 PM local time to evaluate the situation in Gaza, particularly in light of President Trump's expected visit and increased international attempts to mediate a ceasefire, according to a report in the Maariv daily.
According to reports, U.S. authorities are increasing pressure on the Israeli government to make a deal with Hamas. The Biden administration sees a truce as a strategic priority and has cautioned Israel that any additional delay might result in its diplomatic isolation, according to people familiar with the situation who spoke to Haaretz.
Envoy Weitekamp allegedly cautioned that further military action puts the hostages' lives at greater danger at a recent discussion with the relatives of Israeli prisoners. He underlined that if the battle goes on without a deal, Israel would be held accountable.
According to sources who spoke to Haaretz, Weitekamp ordered the purposeful release of his comments of the Israeli government, indicating Washington's mounting annoyance.
Israeli media, meanwhile, said that President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu's relationship was deteriorating. The U.S. president has suspended direct contact with Israeli leader Netanyahu after receiving advice from his inner circle that Netanyahu is trying to influence U.S. policy for domestic political advantage, according to Israeli Army Radio.
