Khaberni - Israeli Channel 12 reported that the third day of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas commenced today, Wednesday, in Sharm el-Sheikh, with the participation of senior officials from the United States, Israel, Hamas, Qatar, and Turkey, aiming to reach an agreement to finalize a deal, with sources confirming "optimism" in the talks.
Details of the Anticipated Deal
According to Channel 12 Israel, Hamas stated that lists of hostages held in Gaza had been exchanged for a list of Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
Taher al-Nono, advisor to the head of Hamas' political bureau, said in Sharm el-Sheikh: "The Hamas delegation showed positivity and responsibility to achieve the necessary progress and finalize the agreement. Mediators are making significant efforts to remove any obstacles to implementing the ceasefire, and there is a spirit of optimism prevailing among everyone."
Al-Nono added: "The negotiations focused on mechanisms to end the war, the withdrawal of occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, and the prisoner exchange. Today, the prisoner lists were exchanged for release according to the agreed standards and numbers, as the indirect negotiations continue with the participation of all parties and mediators."
Trump's Invitation to Egypt
The channel pointed out that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi invited his American counterpart, Donald Trump, to witness the signing of the ceasefire agreement, should it be reached.
The Israeli channel noted that Israeli Minister Ron Dermer, responsible for the hostage release file, joined the negotiations, and from Hamas, senior leader Khalil Al-Hayya participated. From the United States, Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, and Steve Witkoff, the US envoy to the Middle East, also joined the talks, along with the Prime Minister of Qatar Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and the head of Turkish intelligence.
American Optimism and Intense Pressure
According to the channel, US officials expressed optimism about reaching an agreement this week, emphasizing that Trump's envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, will not leave Egypt without a deal to free the hostages and end the war. The channel mentioned that if an agreement cannot be reached, the United States might present a final settlement proposal in a "take it or leave it" format, as the US administration sees it necessary to sign the deal in the coming days.
Main Clauses Controversy
One of the points of contention is Hamas' demand that the last hostage be released only after the complete withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip, contradicting Trump's plan, which stipulates the release within 72 hours from the deal's execution. These demands also clash with the US administration's map for controlling the Gaza Strip.
In addition, Trump's plan includes the release of 250 Palestinian prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment in Israel, including those convicted of killing Israelis. Hamas also demands the release of prominent military and political leaders, such as Marwan Barghouti, and as reported by the American newspaper "The Wall Street Journal," Hamas is also demanding the release of the bodies of former leaders in Gaza, such as Yahya and Mohammed Sinwar, a request previously refused by Israel.
Israeli Security Estimates
The Israeli security agencies estimate that in a few days, the situation from the intense negotiations ongoing in Egypt will become clear, and it will be possible to know whether an agreement will be reached or if fighting in the sector will resume.
A senior security official told Channel 12: "We have never been in such a situation under these circumstances to achieve a deal," adding that "the combination of the current circumstances, whether on the ground or in the political arena, has created conditions that allow for progress towards an agreement to end the war and recover the hostages."
