A group of Israeli security officials is set to travel to Cairo for talks on the potential for a prisoner exchange, as reported by Asharq Al-Awsat. The discussions, as stated by sources engaged in the negotiations, are honing in on securing the release of 40 hostages, encompassing individuals with health issues, the elderly, the wounded, women, and minors. In return, the proposal involves releasing hundreds of terrorists. Both parties have additionally committed to a ceasefire lasting anywhere between three weeks to a month.
The talks will delve into the prospect of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) pulling out of central Gaza, coupled with an escalation in humanitarian assistance. Notably, the release of terrorists from Israeli prisons is to exclude prominent Palestinian figures. Channel 12 News revealed that the revised plan for a prisoner exchange was presented to the Limited Cabinet during discussions on advancements with Qatari mediators.
Outlined in the plan’s initial phase, which was presented to the ministers, is the liberation of around fifty hostages in exchange for a comprehensive one-month ceasefire, likely involving the release of security prisoners. Qatar is actively striving to implement a more intricate exchange, encompassing the IDF withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and a political resolution. Despite this, Israel has stood firm on its commitment to continuing the process of dismantling Hamas both politically and militarily.
A political insider disclosed to Channel 12 News, stating, “Discussions about a future exchange are ongoing. While it wouldn’t be accurate to claim that Israel is on the brink of a deal, it is somewhat less distant than before.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
