According to sources in Egypt, both Israel and Hamas are expressing openness to a renewed ceasefire and the release of hostages, although differences persist regarding the implementation of such an agreement.
Hamas insists on unilaterally determining the list of hostages to be released and demands that Israeli forces withdraw to predefined lines, as reported by sources to Reuters.
While Israel has reportedly agreed to allow Hamas to set the list, it refuses to withdraw its forces.
Israel has also requested a clear timeline and the opportunity to review the list before determining the time and duration of the proposed ceasefire.
Recent indications pointed towards the possibility of a new agreement for a “ceasefire for hostages” between Israel and Hamas. However, Hamas has adopted a more rigid stance on such a potential deal.
Osama Hamdan, a senior member of the Hamas organization, stated that the return of abducted soldiers would only occur after a complete cessation of what he termed as “aggression” from Israel.
Additionally, the Islamic Jihad, holding several hostages, emphasized that the organization would consider a new prisoner swap only if it leads to the end of the ongoing conflict.
{Matzav.com Israel}
