According to Israeli Channel 13, Israel is expecting to pay a heavy price for a new prisoner exchange deal with Hamas. Talks are currently underway, but an agreement is not imminent. Despite this, Israel is determined to make progress in the negotiations.

Concessions and High Price

Israel is considering making concessions in order to reach a new deal. They understand that the price may be high this time, and they are studying the possibility of releasing major prisoners to secure the release of Israeli detainees. This decision comes after the Israeli army killed three detainees in the Gaza Strip, prompting Israel to pursue a new agreement with Hamas.

American Efforts to Revive Talks

Senior American intelligence and defense officials have started diplomatic efforts to revive talks for the release of prisoners held by Hamas. CIA Director William Burns met with the director of the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad and the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. These meetings aim to resume discussions about the prisoners.

Past Negotiations and Truce

Previous negotiations in Doha led to the release of detainees and a week-long truce in the Gaza Strip. During this truce, Hamas released 80 Israeli detainees, including women and children, in exchange for the release of 240 Palestinian women and minors held by Israel. However, there are still 129 detainees in Gaza, including the bodies of 21 soldiers and civilians.

Hamas' Conditions for Resuming Talks

Hamas has informed Qatari and Egyptian mediators that they will not resume prisoner talks with Israel unless Israel stops its war in Gaza.

Source: agencies