Informed sources told "Al-Sharq" that an Israeli security delegation is set to arrive in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, soon to discuss a new phase of prisoner exchange with Hamas. Sources close to the negotiations indicated that discussions are focused on the release of 40 elderly, sick, injured, female, and minor Israeli prisoners under 18 years of age, in exchange for the release of several hundred Palestinian prisoners, as well as a complete ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for a period ranging from 21 to 30 days.
According to the sources, the negotiations also address the withdrawal of Israeli army units from the heart of Gaza to the borders, increasing the quantities of food, fuel, and medicine entering Gaza, and allowing a number of displaced persons to return to their areas in northern Gaza. The sources added that the negotiations are looking at the specifications of the Palestinian prisoners to be released by Israel, noting that this round will be followed by negotiations for a "comprehensive deal" to release all Israeli prisoners in exchange for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners.
It was clarified that the deal to be negotiated will not include prominent Palestinian prisoners, who will be discussed for release in the final stage, such as senior Fatah committee member Marwan Barghouti, the Secretary-General of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine Ahmed Saadat, and high-ranking Hamas leaders in prison such as Abdullah Barghouti, Hassan Salameh, Abbas Al-Sayed, Ibrahim Hamad, and others.
