Hamas has rejected a proposed hostage deal by Qatar, creating obstacles and refusing to compromise. The Israeli government accepted the proposal, which includes the release of 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 in Gaza over 60 days, in exchange for releasing Palestinian prisoners.
Negotiations are ongoing, with talks held in Doha facilitated by Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani and senior Egyptian intelligence officials. However, Hamas is employing psychological warfare to sabotage the negotiations.
Israel has shown flexibility during the talks but remains firm on its conditions, including the deployment of IDF troops during the proposed 60-day ceasefire period. The main sticking points are the flow of aid into Gaza and Israeli forces’ withdrawal from the territory.
Hamas insists that aid must enter Gaza through UN agencies and international relief organizations, while Israel has pushed for distribution through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. As of Thursday, talks reached a stalemate, with sources predicting at least a few more days of negotiations will be needed.
The deal on the table also includes the release of 50 hostages remaining in Gaza, including 20 living ones and the remains of 30 people. The US has been involved in the talks, with envoy Brett McGurk attending sessions alongside Israeli and Hamas negotiators.
Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-860758