Israel, Hamas exchange names for release as Gaza ceasefire talks advance
Israel, Hamas exchange names for release as Gaza ceasefire talks advance
Mediated negotiations between Israel and Hamas aimed at securing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which would include the release of Israeli hostages, have made significant progress, with both the sides now discussing the specifics of those who would be released, according to a report
 "Israel, Hamas exchange names for release as Gaza ceasefire talks advance")
Mediated negotiations between Israel and Hamas aimed at securing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which would include the release of Israeli hostages, have made significant progress, with both the sides now discussing the specifics of those who would be released.
According to a Times of Israel report, citing the Qatari-owned, London-based al-Araby al-Jadeed news outlet, the Hamas delegation was in Cairo the day before and delivered a list of elderly or medically unwell hostages who would be released during the initial stages of a proposed truce. Hamas also provided names of four hostages who are US citizens but do not fall into the previous category.
There are seven hostages with dual US-Israeli citizenship, four of them have been declared dead by Israel and it’s therefore unclear how four could be on the reported list.
Moreover, Hamas also submitted a list of Palestinian security prisoners held in Israel, which it wants released in exchange for the hostages. This list is under review by Israel, with an Israeli negotiating delegation scheduled to arrive in Cairo later on Monday, added the report.
Discussions on hostages’ release mark an advanced stage in negotiations, following earlier efforts focused on halting the fighting and securing a truce.
After a year of stalled negotiations, the latest talks follow a November 2023 agreement that saw 105 hostages freed during a weeklong ceasefire. Israel believes 96 of the 251 hostages taken on October 7 are still in Gaza, including at least 34 confirmed dead. Over the past 14 months, the IDF has rescued eight hostages and recovered 38 bodies.
Recent regional developments, coupled with US President-elect Donald Trump’s “hell to pay” warning if hostages aren’t freed by his January 20 inauguration, have revitalised negotiations, with officials expressing optimism for a deal, reported Times of Israel_._
According to the report, citing al-Araby al-Jadeed’s source, the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey are all helping with mediation.
The current proposal, put forward by Egypt, would involve a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza over a two-month ceasefire period. During this time, both sides would work toward a more permanent resolution to the conflict.
Hamas has agreed to the 60-day transitional period, which will allow for increased supplies of food, medicine, and fuel to enter Gaza.
A sticking point in previous talks was Hamas’s insistence on a permanent end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza in exchange for releasing the remaining hostages. In contrast, Israel has called for only temporary ceasefires and has insisted on maintaining a troop presence in Gaza at least initially.
Egyptian officials are reportedly optimistic that a deal can be reached before Donald Trump’s January 20 deadline.
According to the Times of Israel report, one key issue discussed in Cairo was the proposed Community Support Committee, which Hamas and the Fatah faction, controlling the Palestinian Authority, agreed to establish to govern Gaza after the war.
The Egyptian General Intelligence Service is urging PA President Mahmoud Abbas to approve the committee, with Hamas already in full agreement.
In recent days, Egypt’s intelligence chief has been in contact with PA and Fatah leaders, including Majed Faraj and Jibril Rajoub, to convince Abbas to approve the plan, which would allow Palestinian factions to formally endorse the committee in Cairo.
Cairo views the committee as crucial for both the war’s resolution and Gaza’s future administration, added the report.
The Israel-Hamas conflict, which began on October 7, 2023 after Hamas launched a deadly cross-border attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting hostages, has entered a new phase.
On Saturday, Qatar’s prime minister noted renewed “momentum” for a ceasefire and hostage release deal following Trump’s election.
On Sunday, sources within Gaza’s Palestinian factions said Hamas had instructed them to compile information on the hostages in preparation for a potential ceasefire agreement.
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