A party engaged in mediation efforts for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza states that the differences between Israel and Hamas are not significant.
The source states that Israel is dissatisfied with Hamas’s suggestion to trade 200 Palestinian security prisoners who are serving life sentences for 10 captives, but informs The Times of Israel that the figure was just an initial offer and that the militant group is willing to reduce the number to a level that Jerusalem considers acceptable.
In addition, the majority of the 2,000 Palestinians held in Gaza since the conflict began, which Hamas is also requesting to be freed as part of the exchange, have not yet faced any charges, according to a non-Israeli source. The source accuses Israel of detaining Gazans without cause, using them as leverage in the negotiations.
Regarding the extent of the Gaza border area that the IDF would stay within during a ceasefire, the source states that Hamas’s response from last night is approximately 200 meters shorter than what Israel is asking for. Israel initially requested a two-kilometer buffer zone, while Hamas proposed a one-kilometer buffer. Israel later reduced its requirement to 1.2 kilometers, but according to the source, Hamas is still maintaining its one-kilometer demand without making any concessions.
The source indicates that both Egyptian and Qatari mediators think the differences can be resolved in a few days and hope Israel has not withdrawn its negotiation team from the discussions.
The source states that U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, agrees with Israel that Hamas’s most recent reaction was unacceptable.
Amid the apparent stalemate, the planned meeting today between Witkoff, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Abdulrahman al-Thani in Italy is now uncertain, according to the source.
The post A mediation source from Qatar states that Hamas does not truly anticipate receiving 200 high-ranking prisoners in exchange for 10 captives. appeared first on The Times of Israel.
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