Senior Israeli officials suggest that a substantial agreement, brokered by Qatar, is on the horizon to free a significant number of captives from Gaza, prioritizing women, children and the elderly.
However, they emphasized that negotiations for such a deal would not negate the impending ground operation, which will proceed. These officials also noted that the timeframe for reaching an agreement is significantly narrowing: Israel is approaching the limits of its patience, and only by setting a deadline for the Qataris and Americans will Hamas likely compromise. (Itamar Eichner)