Hamas has affirmed its presentation of a comprehensive framework for negotiations through intermediaries in Egypt and Qatar, based on four principles that the movement considers essential for reaching an agreement and exchanging prisoners with Israel.
The Hamas proposal calls for cessation of hostilities and the provision of aid, alongside the return of displaced persons to northern Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip.
These principles form the basis that Hamas deems necessary for agreement and the prisoner exchange file, clarifying that it will remain committed to the rights and concerns of the Palestinian people.
Al Jazeera reported on Friday that “Hamas, for the first time in its new proposal, spoke about the release of 1000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of all Israeli civilians detained in Gaza, including children, women, the sick, and the elderly, as part of the first phase of the exchange deal or within the ceasefire framework that will last for 42 days, allowing for the return of displaced persons to the northern part of the sector.”
The channel also indicated that there are leaks suggesting that “after this stage, negotiations will begin for a permanent and continuous ceasefire, and a complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces, in preparation for implementing the remaining stages of the exchange deal.”
Meanwhile, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported on Friday that Hamas proposed during the initial stage of the agreement the release of conscripts, seniors, and patients, in exchange for releasing up to 1000 Palestinian prisoners.
In another report, citing an Israeli official familiar with Hamas’s response to the broad outlines of a hostage exchange deal between Hamas and Israel, the Israeli channel stated that there are positive indicators regarding Hamas’s demands, adding that there is positive progress in this regard and an agreement can be reached.
In a related context, Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip reaffirmed their unified position two days ago, stating that “there will be no agreements or prisoner exchange deals with Israel except with a comprehensive cessation of hostilities,” according to a statement carried by the Palestinian “Al-Aqsa” channel.
The statement added that “the management of Palestinian affairs, including the Gaza Strip, is a Palestinian national internal matter, and we will not allow the occupation and its supporters to interfere or impose guardianship over our people in any form.”
