Negotiations in Doha between Israel and Hamas continue amid the absence of any real breakthrough on prisoner exchanges and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Both sides remain steadfast in their positions, according to a report on the Yedioth Ahronoth website on Friday. The report noted that US envoy Steve Witkoff has relinquished the initiative and is struggling to "break the deadlock."

The report stated that "the sudden release of Israeli-American soldier Idan Alexander was a surprise to Israeli security agencies, as they had no prior knowledge of it." It was considered a step that opened what was described as a "transitional phase" before the launch of the large-scale ground invasion within Operation Gideon Arms.

The newspaper quoted a security source as saying that the attacks had an additional objective: to preempt any potential progress in the Doha negotiations that might lead to a ceasefire. He said, "Destroying the entire tunnel network could take years, but targeting the offensive infrastructure and command and control centers is essential to weakening Hamas's capabilities."

The report stated that the escalation of airstrikes since Alexander's release also aims to put pressure on Hamas during the negotiations. It is believed that the impact of the raids may push the movement to show greater flexibility in the talks, a view shared by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who continues to threaten to escalate the aggression on Gaza.

In this context, the newspaper quoted informed sources as saying that US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Witkoff, attempted to break the deadlock by proposing a small deal that would see the release of a number of Israeli prisoners in exchange for a ceasefire lasting between one and a month and a half.

But so far, no agreement has been reached, as Hamas insists on halting the aggression.

The newspaper reported that reports arriving in Tel Aviv indicate that "the negotiations have reached a dead end," with delegations still awaiting Netanyahu's decision on the return of the Israeli negotiating team.

According to Israeli sources, Witkoff "raised his hands" and left the decision to Israel. One source said, "There is no progress in the talks, and there are no positive signs. Hamas rejects the comprehensive deal, and it appears Israel is heading toward expanding the invasion within days. There may be last-minute changes."

The Israeli army is making field preparations, amidst assessments that it has a window of opportunity until the cabinet meeting scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

The Israeli military said in a statement issued today that it had attacked "more than 150 targets" in the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours, destroying infrastructure in the north and south of the Strip.