The US-led ceasefire plan has looked increasingly fragile in the wake of the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Haniyeh was not just the chief negotiator for Hamas but was generally seen as representing the more pragmatic wing of the terrorist group.
He has been replaced by Yahya Sinwar, 61, the hardline military leader of Hamas who has not been seen since he organised and directed the October 7 massacre.
An Israeli official told The Telegraph on Friday that Israel would enter into the negotiations on Thursday in good faith and was willing to be flexible.
But they added: “The main thing to remember is that Israel won’t give up on destroying Hamas – that means making sure they have no governing capabilities or infrastructure in Gaza [following the ceasefire].”
Israel’s Channel 12 on Thursday reported that Sinwar wants a ceasefire “as soon as possible,” citing Hamas sources. He is said to be under pressure from his own commanders in Gaza to strike a deal.
“He has no interest in continuing this war and he is eager to have a ceasefire”, added the Palestinian political analyst, Mohammed Daraghmeh. “But if he doesn’t get that, he won’t surrender and he will fight until the end”.
The Israeli Hostages Families Forum welcomed the US pressure for a deal, saying that for 308 days the hostages have “endured captivity in hell”.
Several families of the hostages have accused Mr Netanyahu of sabotaging the ceasefire deal with the recent assassinations. They say he has an interest in prolonging the conflict to avoid being toppled by the Right wing of his fragile coalition who oppose any deal with Hamas.