Israel has provided Hamas with a list of 34 hostages, demanding their release in the first phase of a ceasefire deal. However, 11 names on the list do not meet Hamas’s criteria. Some of these hostages are considered soldiers by Hamas. Since the start of talks, Hamas has insisted it will only release the sick, elderly, and children.
First Phase of the Deal
In the first phase, both sides aim to release 250 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages. Additionally, they are discussing key issues such as the Rafah crossing, the withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from the Netzarim axis, and the return of displaced Gazans to northern Gaza.
Conflicting Reports on Israeli Delegation
While Hamas remains hopeful for a deal, Israeli officials deny sending any delegation to Egypt. “There is no Israeli delegation on the way to Cairo, nor is one planned,” they said. However, Al-Ghad reported that an Israeli delegation arrived in Cairo on Friday. They met with Egyptian officials to discuss the deal, including the management of the Rafah crossing and the IDF withdrawal.
Hamas Optimistic About Progress
On Saturday, Hamas stated, “The possibility of reaching a deal is closer than ever if Israel stops imposing new conditions.” This came after a meeting between a Hamas delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, and representatives from Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).
90 Percent of the Deal Complete
A Palestinian official told to agencies that talks are now 90 percent complete. The remaining 10 percent focuses on the Philadelphi corridor and the creation of a buffer zone between Israel and Gaza.
