Discussions aimed at negotiating a ceasefire in Gaza and securing the release of hostages between Israel and Hamas are reportedly “90% complete,” though significant challenges remain, according to a high-ranking Palestinian Arab official involved in the talks. The official shared these details with the BBC today.
One of the major unresolved issues in the negotiations involves the continued presence of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the Philadelphi Corridor. The official revealed that talks are taking place in Doha, where a proposal is being discussed to establish a buffer zone several kilometers wide along Israel’s Gaza border. Israel would maintain a military presence within this zone, the official added.
If these concerns are addressed, the parties involved could potentially finalize a three-phase ceasefire within days, according to the official. Under the proposed arrangement, for every female soldier released in the first stage of the ceasefire, an exchange would take place, involving 20 prisoners who are affiliated with terrorist organizations.
The lists of prisoners and hostages to be exchanged have not yet been confirmed, but they are expected to include individuals serving prison terms of 25 years or longer in Israel, with approximately 400 individuals under consideration, according to the BBC. It is unlikely that senior Fatah figure Marwan Barghouti will be included, as Israel is expected to veto his release.
The release of Israeli hostages will also occur in stages, with Hamas reportedly needing to track down some of the missing individuals. Additionally, Gazan civilians would be permitted to return to northern Gaza, under a system coordinated by Egypt and Qatar. The official mentioned that around 500 aid trucks per day would be allowed into Gaza under the plan.
The final stage of the three-phase plan, which aims to bring an end to the 14-month conflict, would see Gaza governed by a committee of technocrats. These individuals would have no political affiliations but would be supported by all Palestinian factions.
Earlier today, it was reported that Hamas had submitted a list of terrorists it demands be freed in the first phase of the agreement, but it had not yet provided Israel with a list of living hostages it holds.
At the same time, Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported that there is “cautious optimism” surrounding the deal. According to the publication, significant progress has been made in the negotiations, especially after the agreement was divided into two stages, with the more complicated disagreements postponed to the second stage.
{Matzav.com}