On video: The families of the abductees demand to meet with the War Cabinet: "Where are you?"
13.03.24/without
Hamas offered Israel an outline according to which children, the elderly, the sick and women, including female soldiers, would be released first in exchange for about a thousand prisoners, according to a report published today (Friday) by the Reuters news agency.
According to the report, the terrorist organization demanded that after the end of the first phase, a date be set for Israel's complete withdrawal from the Strip.
After that, the parties will discuss a second phase, in which the rest of the abductees will be released from captivity in exchange for all the Palestinian prisoners.
A senior Israeli official said last night that Qatar and Egypt have recently significantly increased their pressure on Hamas, including threats from Qatar to expel senior Hamas officials from Doha.
"Hamas understands that the ball is in their court. We see pressure that did not exist before and hope that it will give its signals. There is relatively more optimism than a few days ago," said the Israeli official.
The official added that the number of prisoners that Hamas is demanding is still too high, but in a place where more serious negotiations can begin. "There is something to work with," he said. The war cabinet is expected to meet today to discuss Hamas' answer.
is expected to convene to discuss Hamas' answer.
War Cabinet/Government Press Office, Amos Ben Gershom
The Prime Minister's Office announced last night that "Hamas continues to fortify itself with unfounded demands. An update on the matter will be brought to the War Cabinet and the Political and Security Cabinet."
A few days ago, Israel did receive indications from the Qatari and Egyptian mediators, which point to shifts in the leadership of Hamas, allowing a transition to serious and detailed negotiations on a deal for the release of hostages. This is what two senior Israeli officials said at the time.
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abducted
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Negotiation