Khaberni - Israeli media reported on the cancellation of the planned meeting between the special American envoy, Steve Witkof, and Hamas leader, Khalil Al-Hayya, which was supposed to take place today in Istanbul.
The newspaper "Israel Hayom" stated that the meeting was canceled following criticism and pressure from the Israeli side.
Channel 14 pointed out that this meeting was supposed to be the second known meeting between them in recent months.
Witkof and Al-Hayya had previously met in Cairo in October, prior to signing a ceasefire agreement, in a meeting that was also attended by Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law.
Israeli Concerns
Yesterday, the Walla News website reported that the Israeli security establishment had strongly criticized this meeting.
The report highlighted that there is "a strong sense of anger prevailing within the security establishment following reports of an upcoming meeting between the special American envoy and the senior Hamas leader in Istanbul."
Walla cited political sources saying that "Israel is concerned about the anticipated meeting between Witkof and Al-Hayya."
According to the report, informed sources confirmed that the meeting would represent a recognition of Hamas's status, and would complicate Israel's transitional phase of negotiations with the movement.
According to the sources, it was supposed to discuss the “day after” scenario in the Gaza Strip.
The Hebrew sources claimed that this meeting would have implications on the transition from phase (A) to phase (B), especially in light of Israeli opposition to moving to the second phase without returning all detainees, disarming the sector, and ending Hamas's rule.
