The Prime Minister's Office announced that Israel will send a negotiating team to Doha on Monday "in response to the invitation of mediators with US backing" to advance hostage-deal talks. This development comes as Israeli officials believe Hamas can be pressured into releasing more hostages without military action, with no expected operations in Gaza for at least two weeks according to N12 News. A source close to the Prime Minister's Office indicated Israel is leaning toward extending phase one, noting there is currently a de facto ceasefire without officially calling it that.

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem outlined their position in an Al Jazeera interview, setting three conditions for moving to phase two: prisoner exchanges, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a commitment not to resume fighting. "We made it clear to mediators that we reject extending phase one of the deal," Qassem stated, adding that Hamas has "no problem meeting with US government representatives" because they "understand they have the power to pressure Israel." 

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