Informed sources from the "Hamas" and "Islamic Jihad" movements revealed preliminary details regarding the anticipated prisoner exchange agreement with the Israeli side, which U.S. President Joe Biden has described as "closer than ever before." The negotiations cover several key points, primarily including the duration of the ceasefire, the number of prisoners held by both sides, and the scale of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip.
Preliminary details of the expected prisoner exchange agreement include:
- A 5-day ceasefire that entails a complete cessation of hostilities.
- A halt to Israeli aircraft flying over Gaza for the entire duration of the ceasefire.
- A suspension of Israeli flights for 6 hours each day over northern Gaza.
- The release of between 50 to 100 Palestinian prisoners.
- The release of settlers and foreign nationals only (excluding soldiers).
- The release of 300 Palestinian child and women prisoners by Israel.
- The release of prisoners at a rate of 10 Israeli prisoners daily in exchange for 30 Palestinian prisoners.
- The entry of 100 to 300 trucks daily carrying food, medical supplies, and fuel.
"Hamas" and "Jihad" have informed the Egyptian mediator of their preliminary agreement to the terms of the deal, although they noted that changes to the terms "remain possible." The sources stated that "the success of the deal depends on the extent of Israel's commitment, which has been procrastinating in finalizing the prisoner exchange process."
Israel insists on applying the principle of "family linkage," meaning that if a woman detained in Gaza is released, "Hamas" and "Jihad" must also release her husband even if he is a soldier, a condition that "Hamas" has rejected, according to the sources.
### U.S. Optimism Regarding the Agreement
Meanwhile, the United States expressed on Monday its belief that Israel and the "Hamas" movement are nearing an agreement regarding the release of prisoners held in the Gaza Strip. President Joe Biden stated that he believes the agreement is "closer than what was previously possible." He responded to a journalist's question during an event at the White House regarding the proximity of the agreement, saying, "I believe so," and when asked about the timing, the president was seen crossing his middle and index fingers, a gesture commonly used to wish for good luck.
A U.S. official told CNN that Israel and Hamas are close to reaching an agreement to secure the release of prisoners in exchange for a cessation of hostilities for several days. The official noted that "despite the progress between the parties, the talks remain volatile and could collapse," adding: "They are closer, but negotiations are not over yet."
John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House, told reporters that the U.S. administration is "doing everything possible" to reach an agreement for the release of prisoners. He indicated that the president hopes to reach an agreement "including young children and, of course, Americans in that group." He added: "We are optimistic. But there's still work to be done. Nothing is certain until it happens. So we will continue to work on this."
