In a dramatic development that underscores the high-stakes diplomacy surrounding the ongoing conflict, Israel has confirmed some progress in the backchannel negotiations between the United States and Hamas. This breakthrough follows intensive discussions led by President Donald Trump’s envoy, Adam Boehler, and senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya—a figure reportedly implicated in the covert planning of the barbaric October 7 massacre, according to an explosive report by Reshet Bet radio on Sunday.
Israel Dispatches Delegation Amid High-Stakes Talks
Amid this diplomatic push, an Israeli delegation is set to land in Doha on Monday for crucial negotiations. The delegation’s precise mandate is expected to be outlined during Sunday’s Israeli cabinet meeting, where key ministers will deliberate on Israel’s strategic objectives in the discussions. Adding further weight to these negotiations, US envoy Witkoff is scheduled to arrive in the region on Tuesday to facilitate and monitor the talks.
🚨🇵🇸🇮🇱 HAMAS CONFIRMS SECRET MEETINGS WITH U.S.—ISRAEL NOT HAPPY
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 9, 2025
Hamas has admitted to multiple meetings with U.S. hostage affairs envoy Adam Boehler to discuss a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, according to Hamas adviser Taher Al-Nono.
Apparently, Washington thought it could… https://t.co/dHlvR3QKjR pic.twitter.com/c6jjd5Wsx4
The immediate goal of these discussions is to establish a clear framework for negotiations—an arduous task given Hamas' history of duplicity and shifting demands. Yet, optimism surged on Saturday when Saudi-based Al-Hadath channel reported that Hamas had ostensibly agreed to an American-proposed initiative aimed at extending the first phase of the hostage deal. This initiative, if realized, could see the release of several Israeli hostages in exchange for an extended ceasefire.
Hamas Sends Mixed Signals: Tactical Maneuvering or Internal Division?
Despite these reported breakthroughs, Hamas continues to sow confusion regarding its intentions. Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi swiftly dismissed reports of an agreement, calling them outright fabrications. In a defiant statement, he reiterated Hamas’ commitment to the previously agreed-upon deal and its second phase, hinting at possible internal divisions within the terror organization’s leadership.
#BREAKING: Egypt, which still refuses to take in any Gazans under @POTUS’s plan to end the Israel-Gaza war, reportedly hosted yet another lavish banquet for Hamas terrorists freed in exchange for innocent Israeli hostages during the recent ceasefire deal.
— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) March 8, 2025
via @SapirLipkin https://t.co/L7cX1VOuhN pic.twitter.com/NPtdnZ1COj
Meanwhile, Hamas representatives are simultaneously engaged in parallel ceasefire discussions in Cairo, where Egyptian mediators—supported by Qatari officials—are working to hammer out the next phase of the agreement. Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua added further ambiguity to the situation, stating that the group remains open to negotiations but only on terms that align with the so-called "demands of the Palestinian people." In an apparent bid to bolster Hamas' standing, he also urged the international community to ramp up support for Gaza and push for an end to the longstanding blockade.
Hamas Eyes Governance Over Gaza: A Tactical Play for Legitimacy
In a revealing development, Hamas issued a separate statement following a high-level meeting with Hassan Mahmoud Rashad, Egypt’s intelligence chief. The terror group expressed support for forming a committee of "national and independent" figures to govern Gaza until elections could be held. This move is widely seen as an attempt by Hamas to gain international legitimacy while maintaining de facto control over the war-torn enclave.
pic.twitter.com/16EmnG9ub6
— Liza Rosen (@LizaRosen0000) March 8, 2025
Flashback: Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad says they will repeat the “October 7 massacres” until Israel is annihilated along with its entire Jewish population.
Western countries must suspend all aid to Gaza until Hamas is gone.
Please share the post and follow me…
US Proposes Ceasefire-Hostage Deal: Ten Lives in Exchange for Two Months of Peace
In yet another significant revelation, Israel’s Kan 11 News reported on Saturday—citing an Israeli government source—that the United States has formally presented a hostage deal. According to the proposal, Hamas would release ten live hostages in exchange for a two-month extension of the ceasefire in Gaza. The plan, if accepted, could significantly alter the trajectory of the war, providing a temporary reprieve from hostilities while diplomatic efforts intensify behind the scenes.
The Road Ahead: Fragile Diplomacy or Prelude to Escalation?
As the latest round of negotiations unfolds, the question remains: Is this a genuine step toward de-escalation, or merely another tactical pause before Hamas regroups and reignites its terror campaign? Israel's decision to send a delegation to Doha suggests a willingness to explore options, but skepticism remains high, given Hamas’ track record of broken agreements and relentless aggression.
Yes Hamas got a Ramadan ceasefire and doesn’t have to return any hostages. Another win for Hamas. They massacred more than 1,000 people on Oct 7 and took 250 hostages and they get to keep the remaining hostages and they get a total ceasefire since March 1 and don’t even have to… https://t.co/MLKD39L6Fv
— Seth Frantzman (@sfrantzman) March 8, 2025
The coming days will prove crucial in determining whether these negotiations will yield tangible results or whether the region will once again be thrust into the throes of war. For now, all eyes remain fixed on Doha, where diplomacy and deception collide in a bid to shape the next chapter of this protracted conflict.
