Israeli officials said that there are advanced talks taking place to conclude a prisoner exchange deal to release a large number of Israeli detainees in the Gaza Strip. As reported by Israeli media on Friday evening.

According to Israeli Channel 12, the head of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is participating in the talks alongside the head of the Mossad, Dadi Barnea, with Qatari mediation.

A senior Israeli official stated, “There are efforts and contacts, but so far there is no concrete proposal on the table.”

The Americans are behind the Israeli demand for a ceasefire only in exchange for the release of a large number of kidnapped persons, at least a few dozen, with a focus on children, women and the elderly.

Tel Aviv is demanding a guarantee in exchange for the deal for the kidnappers, which the Americans and Qataris accept. The demand includes a gradual deal, meaning the release of the detainees several times during the days that witness a lull in the war.

In this context, an Israeli official said, "We are heading towards a fragile week or two, whether at the level of decision-makers or in Israeli society, as there will be very difficult decisions because the deal will not include all the kidnapped people, and therefore the Israeli steadfastness will stand a test."

He added, "It is important to emphasize that even after reaching an agreement and the return of a large portion of the abductees to their homes, Israel intends to continue ground operations in Gaza. The guidance is clear: there is no victory without the return of all the abductees to Israel."

Israeli Channel 13 quoted officials as saying, “Israel is seeking to implement a large prisoner exchange deal, provided that it includes a large number of kidnappers, in contrast to what was reported about small deals that include a small number of kidnappers.”

According to officials, the Israeli army's ground operations increase pressure on Hamas and enhance the possibilities of concluding the deal.

If the deal is concluded, Israel will release Palestinian security prisoners in its prisons.

An Israeli official familiar with the talks said, "There is no agreement or deal yet. There have been ongoing talks for many days, and we are seeking to exploit every opportunity to recover the kidnapped people."

The Israeli army spokesman touched on the issue of detainees during a press conference on Friday evening, saying, "We are talking about complex endeavors that require time, but we will not miss an opportunity to return all the kidnapped people to their homes."