Despite initial optimism for an agreement and resumed discussions, Hamas and Israel have reached a deadlock, according to Arab mediators who spoke with the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday.
The mediators indicated that a deal for a ceasefire concerning the hostages in Gaza is unlikely to materialize before U.S. President Joe Biden’s term concludes.
Reports suggest that Hamas has shelved the idea of negotiations for a full end to the war initiated by the group until later stages in the talks, instead concentrating on a temporary ceasefire, the release of security prisoners held by Israel, and increasing the flow of aid into Gaza.
The discussions have revolved around a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of 30 hostages who meet specific conditions, according to the Wall Street Journal. The Arab mediators also mentioned that Israel has declined to release some of the prisoners requested by Hamas.
Although the mediators did not identify the specific prisoners Israel refused to release, various reports throughout the conflict have suggested that Hamas is seeking the release of Marwan Barghouti, the Fatah leader. Barghouti, who once led the militant Tanzim faction of Fatah, was sentenced by an Israeli court in 2004 to five life sentences and an additional 40 years for his involvement in terrorist attacks that killed five Israelis and injured many others.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Hamas had turned down the release of 12 of the 34 hostages Israel requested, instead proposing the release of 22 living hostages and 12 bodies.
According to Egyptian sources, Hamas previously rejected 11 of the 34 individuals Israel requested, labeling them as soldiers.
Adding to the complications of the stalled hostage talks, sources informed The Jerusalem Post that Hamas had failed to provide a list of the living hostages, further hindering progress in the discussions.
{Matzav.com Israel}