Israel-Hamas War: Will Future Hostages Be Freed? A month-long cease-fire has been under negotiation in Gaza

Several sources suggest that Israel and Hamas call for a month-long ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, specifically to release hostages. However, discrepancies remain. These differences, three sources indicated, are currently preventing the conclusion of a ceasefire agreement led by Qatar, the United States and Egypt, which are leading intense mediation efforts.

Doha, Washington and Cairo are trying to gain acceptance of a phased plan that provides for the release of Israeli hostages in several stages – first civilians, then soldiers – in exchange for a ceasefire, the release of Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons. and the arrival of additional aid to the Gaza Strip.

The latest round of talks, which began on December 28, brought the situation closer to an initial ceasefire period of about 30 days, one of the sources said. This representative familiar with the discussions indicated that Hamas had initially suggested a pause in the fighting for several months. Since then, however, Hamas has refused to ratify any cease-fire agreement until subsequent conditions for a permanent cease-fire are established, six sources said.

Another source – a Palestinian representative close to the talks – said Israel wanted to negotiate in stages while Hamas “Global Compact”, provided for a permanent cease-fire, prior to the release of hostages as part of the first phase of this agreement. Discussions between the two camps take place indirectly through mediators. There was no immediate comment from the US State Department, Qatar’s foreign ministry and the Egyptian government.

Hamas wants guarantees

US Middle East envoy Brett McGurk is back in the region for talks on the release of the hostages, a White House spokesman said on Tuesday, adding that Washington was on his side. “Humanitarian Break” long term.

Two Egyptian security sources said efforts were underway to persuade Hamas to agree to a one-month ceasefire that would be followed by a permanent cease-fire agreement. The Palestinian faction, which controls the Gaza Strip, wants guarantees on the implementation of this second phase before committing to a ceasefire, the two sources added, without giving further details on the requested guarantees.

The five sources indicated that Israel refuses to discuss any end to the war in Gaza without first dismantling Hamas, while the Jewish state reiterates that it aims to. “to eliminate” A Palestinian group in response to the October 7 attack. A senior Hamas source said one of Israel’s offers was to end the war in exchange for six of the group’s leaders, including Hamas’s Gaza leader Yahya Sinouar and the mastermind of the October 7 attack, Mohammed al-Def.

The proposal was categorically rejected by Hamas, the source said. Asked about the proposal and the negotiations as a whole, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declined to comment. According to a recording made by Israeli media outlet N12 ‘run away’Benjamin Netanyahu declared that this scenario “Dedication” Discussions were held in early January.

During a press conference on Tuesday, an Israeli government spokesman said efforts were underway to free the hostages. Elon Levy added that Israel would not accept any agreement that would allow Hamas to remain in power in the Gaza Strip.