The Palestinian movement insists on setting the list of captives to be released unilaterally.
Egyptian security officials told Reuters on Sunday that “Israel and Hamas are both open to a renewed ceasefire and hostage release.”
However, there are still a few obstacles, which are currently being discussed, according to two Egyptian officials.
Arab mediators, Egypt and Qatar insist that negotiations would have to be preceded by expediting urgent aid and the opening of the Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing before any negotiations could begin.
They insist on this demand because, according to international assessment, half of the Gaza population is experiencing starvation.
Israel is using the flow of aid as a pressure tool to force Hamas to surrender. The Palestinian Resistance movement, however, seems to be the military force that has the upper hand on the ground.
Who Initiated the Latest Rounds of Talks?
Israel. On Saturday, media reports said that the head of the Israeli spy agency, the Mossad had spoken, a day earlier, with the Qatari prime minister.
The fact that Israel, which rejected the extension of the ceasefire, ending on December 1, is the party that is pushing for a ceasefire is a reflection of the heavy Israeli military losses on the ground in Gaza.
The Shejayeh neighborhood east of Gaza City is an embodiment of the fighting spirit of Palestinians, who have refused to be subdued by invaders, for over 1,000 years.
#Gaza #Israel #Palestine #History #Resistance #Spirit pic.twitter.com/7YzKUezqZ6— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) December 17, 2023
What Does Hamas Want?
The Palestinian movement insists on setting the list of captives to be released unilaterally, and that Israeli forces must withdraw behind pre-determined lines.
“While Israel agreed on Hamas setting the list, the sources said it demanded a timeline and to see the list before setting the time and duration of the ceasefire,” Reuters reported.
Also, Israel is refusing to withdraw its forces from areas it entered since October 7.
Moreover, Hamas says that a complete ceasefire is required for any prisoner exchange to take place.
This is a developing story.
UPDATE – Israeli Channel 12 reported that the head of the Israeli Mossad, David Barnea, has received the green light from the Israeli government to proceed with prisoner exchange talks.
(The Palestine Chronicle)
