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Israel-Hamas war

Israel touts ‘promising early signs’ of new cease-fire deal as Hamas has ‘softened its position’: report

By
Alyssa Guzman
Published Feb. 21, 2024, 2:49 p.m. ET

Israel said there are “promising early signs” that they may be able to reach a new cease-fire deal with Hamas as the terror group has reportedly “softened its position” in the negotiations.

Benny Gantz, a member of the war cabinet, said Wednesday there is positive movement toward a temporary cease-fire deal ahead of Israeli officials traveling to Cairo to discuss it.

“There are ongoing attempts to promote a new hostage deal and there are promising early signs of possible progress,” Gantz said at a press conference, according to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat.

People in the streets holding signs.
Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war cabinet, said there are “promising early signs” of moving toward a temporary cease-fire with Hamas. REUTERS

“We will not stop looking for a way and we will not miss any opportunity to bring our girls and boys home.”

Meanwhile, Hamas, which previously said it would not release the remaining captives until Israel agreed to a permanent cease-fire, has “softened its position,” diplomatic sources told the Saudi newspaper.

Earlier this week, Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh and Deputy Chairman in Gaza Khalil al-Hayya arrived in Egypt ahead of the negotiations.

Israel is expected to send a delegate as well.

Gantz has already warned that if a deal is not signed, the country’s military will “operate during Ramadan,” Asharq Al-Awsat reported.

Over the weekend, the war-torn country announced its plan to attack Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, during Ramadan if the remaining hostages are not released by March 10, the beginning of the religious holiday.

“The world must know, and Hamas leaders must know: If by Ramadan, our hostages are not home, the fighting will continue to the Rafah area,” Gantz said on Sunday.

Gantz at a podium.
Gantz has already warned that if a deal is not signed, Israel’s military will “operate during Ramadan,” according to reports. AP

“To those saying the price is too high, I say this very clearly: Hamas has a choice — they can surrender, release the hostages, and this way, the residents of Gaza can celebrate the holy holiday of Ramadan.”

If the hostages are not released, Israel will evacuate Gazan civilians from Rafah with the help of the US and Egypt to minimize causalities.