Israeli media reported that an agreement on a prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas is nearly finalized. In this regard, Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported, based on political sources, that 90% of the details have been agreed upon.
Neither Hamas nor the mediating countries, Egypt, Qatar and the US, have made an official statement confirming the agreement.
The main point of disagreement is said to be Hamas’ demand for guarantees from ‘Israel’ regarding the implementation of the second phase of the agreement related to the halt of the Zionist war.
Although the exact details of the first and second phases of a potential agreement have not been fully disclosed, sources from the newspaper suggested that the first phase involves the release of elderly and sick prisoners for humanitarian reasons, while the second involves the release of military personnel.
Following progress in negotiations, Steven Witkoff, a representative of US President-elect Donald Trump, is reported to have made a surprise visit Saturday to ‘Israel’, where he met Netanyahu.
Witkoff expressed optimism to Netanyahu, saying they believe a deal could be reached soon.
Israel’s state television, KAN, citing foreign sources, reported Friday that Tel Aviv agreed to advance negotiations on the second phase of the agreement while the first phase is being implemented, to ensure the continuation of the process until all prisoners are released.
The prisoner swap and cease-fire talks, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the US have been interrupted several times due to new conditions imposed by Netanyahu.
Families of prisoners in ‘Israel’ accuse Netanyahu of obstructing the cease-fire and prisoner swap agreement.
Israeli military attacks on Gaza, meanwhile, continue without pause. Health Ministry in Gaza updated the toll of Israeli war since October 7, 2023, recording 46,565 martyrs and 109,660 injuries.
The Zionist military reports indicated that 835 officers and soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the beginning of the war, including 400 since the beginning of the ground offensive, as the Palestinian resistance continues to confront the occupation forces, targeting them in the various cities and towns of the Strip.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
‘Israel’ also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
Source: Al-Manar English Website
