Israeli Official Accuses Hamas of “Foot-Dragging” in Negotiations, Egypt Loses Patience With Terrorists

A senior Israeli official accused Hamas terrorists Friday of “dragging its feet” in ongoing hostage negotiations in Doha, stating that the group’s “refusal and foot-dragging are raising doubts about Hamas’ seriousness,” as Egypt also reportedly is losing patience with the terror group.

The Israeli official conveyed this sentiment to reporters in a briefing, emphasizing Israel’s readiness to “see negotiations with Hamas through to the end.”

According to the official, Hamas “thinks time is in its favor,” a notion the official countered by stressing ongoing IDF operations in Gaza as evidence that “time is in Israel’s favor.”

The primary sticking point, the official stated, is Hamas’s reluctance to advance discussions on “the ratio of prisoners released for each hostage.” The official asserted, “This is delaying the ceasefire. It insists on not moving to discussions on the issue. This is preventing us from making progress.”

Despite the reported stalled progress, Israel’s negotiators remain in Qatar, the senior Israeli official confirmed. Additionally, an Israeli team is in Cairo for discussions regarding humanitarian aid in the event of a ceasefire. “As soon as Hamas clears the way, we will be able to make progress,” the official said.

Further reports from Friday suggest growing frustration among mediators. An Arab diplomat told The Times of Israel that Egypt is “fed up with Hamas” and its “refusal to take Gaza deal,” having reportedly threatened the terror group’s delegation head Khalil al-Hayya with deportation and insulted him over his stance.

Mediators are reportedly still awaiting Hamas’ response to the new set of maps submitted by Israel this week, which outline a softened proposal for a partial IDF withdrawal from Gaza during the 60-day truce. Despite the evident frustration, the second source expressed optimism, noting that the issue is “surmountable and a deal is still possible within days.”