Osama Hamdan, a leader in the Hamas movement, confirmed that "the movement is striving to end the aggressive war on its people and intensifying efforts to bring in aid," reiterating the call for the International Court of Justice to take emergency measures requiring Israel to allow aid to stop famine. He added in a press conference today, Wednesday, that Netanyahu, his government, and their supporters bear the responsibility for the stalled agreement.
Hamdan clarified that mediators conveyed Israel's position yesterday, and Israel's response was generally negative, pointing out that the movement has responded to the mediators' demands, and the ball is now in Israel's court. He explained that the movement presented a comprehensive vision based on principles and foundations deemed necessary for the agreement concerning prisoner exchange and demonstrated a high level of flexibility.
Earlier today, an Arab source familiar with the talks revealed that reaching a deal between the two parties is not imminent. However, he confirmed that negotiations are making progress, albeit slowly. He stated that Hamas is showing flexibility regarding the names of individuals to be released from Israeli prisons, but insists on the return of residents from the northern Gaza Strip to their areas and securing shelter for them there, which Israel rejects, according to the Arab World News Agency.
He emphasized that the release of 40 captured Israelis in exchange for a ceasefire lasting 42 days has "almost been decided," but negotiations are currently ongoing regarding the details. He also clarified that among these details are the return of the displaced, the names of Palestinian prisoners to be released, where they will be released, who will go to the West Bank, and who will be expelled abroad.
The Israeli delegation, led by the head of the intelligence agency (Mossad), David Barnea, arrived in Doha on Monday to resume negotiations for a prisoner exchange. They departed yesterday, Tuesday, while the members of the Israeli delegation remained there to continue the negotiations.
