The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation (Kan 11) reported Sunday evening that ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated by regional and international mediation, are still proceeding at a "low pace," amid significant gaps between the two parties that are hindering progress toward an agreement.

According to the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation, which quoted sources familiar with the talks, progress in the negotiations so far has been "intangible," despite ongoing discussions with mediators on the proposals on the table, including the Israeli one.

Among the most prominent points of contention, according to the Broadcasting Authority, is Israel's refusal to begin discussions on the second phase of the agreement and a ceasefire, while Hamas is demanding a clear timetable for this. The Israeli government also refuses to release a large number of Palestinian prisoners, as the movement is demanding as part of the deal.

The channel added that Hamas is demanding a complete withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, along with a clear commitment and international guarantees not to resume fighting in the Strip—conditions Israel rejects.

Sources expected the pace of contacts to slow down during the coming days of Eid al-Fitr, despite what the channel described as optimistic statements from Hamas sources "that an agreement could be reached before the holiday."

In a related context, Kan quoted Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, a close associate of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and head of the negotiating team with Hamas, as saying during a cabinet meeting: "We are noticing changes in Hamas's position as a result of military pressure." He added: "Hamas has begun to show signs of retreat."

Netanyahu defended his government's policies in managing the war on Gaza, particularly regarding the handling of the prisoners' file, attacking the criticism directed at him and reinforcing his narrative that "military and political pressure" is the only way to recover the prisoners.

This came at the start of the Israeli cabinet meeting on Sunday morning, with Netanyahu saying, "The combination of military and political pressure is the only thing that brought the prisoners back, not all the empty claims and slogans I hear in the studios from those who consider themselves experts."

Regarding the war of extermination on the Gaza Strip, Netanyahu said: "Military pressure is effective. It simultaneously strikes Hamas's military and governmental capabilities, while creating conditions for the release of our prisoners. That's exactly what we are doing."