Negotiations to end the Gaza war are progressing in Egypt, but Hamas is demanding the release of its top imprisoned commanders and a full Israeli withdrawal before handing over the last of the captives.
Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas resumed in Sharm el-Sheikh on Tuesday, marking two years exactly since the October 7 attacks. The talks center on US President Donald Trump’s 20-point proposal to end the war, with an Israeli political official indicating "cautious optimism" despite the ongoing disagreements.
A core provision of the Trump plan requires Hamas to release all 48 remaining Israeli hostages, both the living and the dead, within 72 hours, while Israeli forces would withdraw to a predetermined "yellow line." However, a senior Hamas official told Al Jazeera that the group vehemently opposes this timing.
Hamas demands a clear timetable linking the stages of hostage release to the stages of a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The official stated that the release of the final captive "must occur simultaneously with the final withdrawal of Israeli forces." The terror group is also seeking international guarantees for a permanent ceasefire and full withdrawal. (Read More)
