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Published: March 3, 2025
The Israeli newspaper "Haaretz" reported that estimates indicate that the planned visit of the American envoy to the Middle East, Steve Weitzman, at the end of this week, could help save the stalled negotiations between Israel and Hamas, amid intensive diplomatic efforts to resume talks regarding a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
According to the newspaper, Weitzman's visit comes at a sensitive time, as the negotiations face increasing obstacles, especially after a previous postponement of the visit due to Israel's delay in fulfilling its commitments related to the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners, which complicated the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.
Concerns over negotiation failures and efforts to save them
According to Israeli sources, the negotiations have reached a critical stage, as mediators, including the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, are trying to find common ground that ensures the resumption of the agreement's implementation between the two sides. Estimates indicated that Weitzman's visit could be the last opportunity to save the negotiations, amid escalating tensions on the ground.
The first phase of the agreement, which began on January 19 of last year, witnessed the release of 33 Israeli prisoners, including the bodies of eight hostages, in exchange for 1,755 Palestinian prisoners, as announced by the mediating parties. However, the implementation of the second phase faced significant obstacles, the most prominent of which was Israel's refusal to make additional concessions, while Hamas insists on stricter conditions in any upcoming deal.
Critical visit and diplomatic preparations
In this context, the newspaper emphasizes that Washington is exerting significant pressure on Israel to ensure that the negotiations do not collapse, as Weitzman is expected to hold meetings with Israeli officials and officials from the Palestinian Authority, in addition to indirect contacts with Hamas through mediators.
Mediators hope that this visit will help restore momentum to the talks, especially since tensions between Israel and Hamas remain very high, amid mutual threats that could return the situation to a military escalation if diplomatic efforts fail.
Anticipation for the outcomes of the visit
With anticipation building for Weitzman's arrival in the region, speculation is increasing regarding his ability to move the current stalemate, especially amid the clear divergence between the two sides' positions. However, observers believe that American pressure could play a crucial role in pushing Israel toward offering some concessions to avoid the complete collapse of the negotiation process.
While no official comment has been issued from the American side regarding the details of the visit's agenda, diplomatic sources confirmed that Washington is seeking to achieve tangible progress before any new escalation, in an attempt to stabilize calm in the region and avoid further tensions that could complicate the situation even more.
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