There is progress reported in negotiations between Hamas and Israel in Gaza on a ceasefire and a mutual prisoner swap. The Israeli Prime Ministry Press Office has announced that the main conditions it requires are a possible agreement.
Israel’s Basic Conditions
- Reserving the Rights to a Ceasefire:Israel claims to retain the right to attack Gaza again until it achieves its goals.
- No Allowing the Smuggling of Weapons:It is a condition that arms smuggling from Egypt to Gaza is not allowed, and armed Hamas members are not allowed to return to northern Gaza.
- Large Number of Israeli Captives Released in Prisoner Exchange:The number of Israeli prisoners to be released from Gaza is being sought to be increased to the maximum figure.
The statements emphasize that the plan, which Israel accepted and US President Joe Biden welcomed, will not overshadow Israel’s war goals. The aim of Israel’s attacks on Gaza has been stated as destroying Hamas’ military capabilities and preventing Hamas from becoming the dominant force in Gaza again.
Hamas’s Demands and Expectations
Hamas is concerned that Israel has insisted on continuing its attacks on Gaza after the ceasefire and prisoner swap, and is demanding assurances from mediators that the agreement will turn into a permanent ceasefire.
Netanyahu has been accused by Israel and the international community of not agreeing to a prisoner swap deal with Hamas due to political pressure, with far-right politicians known to have threatened to overthrow the government if it stopped attacks on Gaza.
Negotiations and Expectations
Negotiations have been ongoing for a long time between the parties to stop the attacks on Gaza that Israel started on October 7. It is expected that the Hamas delegation has approved the latest ceasefire draft, and Israel will continue the negotiations by sending a delegation to Cairo.
| Israeli Delegation | To be Sent to Cairo |
|---|---|
| Mossad Director David Barnea | He went to Doha over the weekend |
| CIA Director William Burns | Will attend the talks |
