Hamas approves Israeli captives list as first step in Gaza's ceasefire deal: Reuters

Ahram Online , Sunday 5 Jan 2025

The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has approved a list of 34 persons held in Gaza and proposed by Israel for a potential exchange as part of a possible ceasefire deal, a Hamas official told Reuters on Sunday.

Gaza
Palestinians check the destruction following an Israeli strike that hit a home in the Shujaiya neighbourhood of Gaza City, in the northern Gaza Strip. AFP

 

The proposed exchange is being discussed in Doha as part of a broader ceasefire deal mediated by Qatar and Egypt.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, also reiterated that any deal hinges on reaching an agreement on Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and the implementation of a permanent ceasefire.

Hamas confirmed on Friday that indirect negotiations with Israel have resumed in Doha, Qatar, to achieve a complete ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

"The indirect negotiations resume today, in Doha, the capital of Qatar. The movement reaffirms its seriousness and optimism, as it always does, and continues to work toward an agreement that will fulfill the aspirations and goals of our people," Hamas stated in a statement.

The statement added that the latest round of talks is expected to focus on achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, securing the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and facilitating the safe and prompt return of displaced Palestinians to their homes.

Israel said on Thursday it had sent a delegation to Doha for ceasefire talks.

Talks had stalled for ten days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recalled Israel's negotiating team from Qatar for internal discussions on 25 December.

Since then, optimism about securing a deal before US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on 20 January has diminished.

A senior Israeli official told Axios earlier that Israel and Hamas remain at a deadlock over nearly all key issues. These include the timeline for captives releases, the Israeli occupation army's presence in the Netzarim and Philadelphi corridors, and Israel's demand to deport certain Palestinian prisoners released in the deal out of the Palestinian territories.

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