Meeting underway to negotiate terms for Israeli and Palestinian sides:

Top intelligence officials from Israel, U.S., Qatar, and Egypt convene in Paris in efforts to broker a deal involving 136 hostages held in Gaza. Closed-door discussions may potentially lead to suspending hostilities and hostage release in phases.

Why it matters:

This meeting is pivotal as both sides seek to end a deadlock in negotiations to secure not just the release of hostages, but also a potential cessation in fighting which could have wider implications on the stability and humanitarian situation in Gaza and the region at large.

Who’s Involved:

The high-profile meeting includes CIA Chief William Burns, Mossad Chief David Barnea, Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Thani, and head of Egyptian Intelligence Services Abbas Kamel. The potential presence of Major General (res.) Nitzan Alon at the talks underscores the strategic importance of the negotiations.

The Background:

Previous travels by Mossad’s Barnea to Qatar and Paris suggested an intensification of indirect communications between Israel and Hamas. Potential deal structures have been evolving, with both sides inching towards an agreement that could pause the conflict and facilitate a staggered release of hostages.

Sticking Points:

While there is apparent momentum towards an agreement, key obstacles include Hamas’s demand for a full cessation of hostilities and the handling of female soldiers amongst the hostages. There’s reportedly no longer discussion of exile for Hamas leaders as part of the current deal parameters.

What’s Next:

The negotiation outcomes could lead to significant developments: a temporary truce, release of hostages — particularly women, the elderly, and the ill in the first phase, and defining terms for a continuing hiatus in fighting. The decisions made in Paris could chart the course for the next critical months in Israeli-Hamas relations.

This story was first published on jpost.com.