Israeli Source: Despite Hamas Answer, Negotiations Still Ongoing

An Israeli source briefing reporters today (Thursday) said that Hamas' proposal for negotiations does not really allow for progress without figuring out some way to get Hamas to budge:

"Hamas's response is in a state that does not allow progress without consulting on ways to move Hamas's position. We will continue the contacts, there is no explosion and no collapse, the negotiations have continued for 18 days in proximity talks, and we have made progress in them - up to the stage where we need to return to consultations."

According to the political source, as reported by Channel 12, the delegation will return to Doha 'the moment a way is found to narrow the gaps so that we can return to closure. We will return when the gaps are narrowed.' The source praised the activity of the mediators, Egypt and Qatar, for showing 'a proactive approach and activism and very great efforts throughout all these 18 days.'"