The search for a ceasefire agreement and an exchange of prisoners between Israel and Hamas is at the center of current discussions. After the collapse of the previous week-long ceasefire, efforts are being made to establish a new humanitarian agreement between the two sides.
According to media reports, Israel called on Egypt and Qatar to mediate this prisoner exchange. Conditions appear ripe for a new agreement to be reached, and moves are underway in that direction.
The Israeli press reported that an official source claimed that the Israeli government was ready to listen to the mediators’ proposals regarding a new prisoner exchange with Hamas. Tel Aviv is also considering resuming contact with the parties involved in the mediation.
According to Israeli channel Canal 12, a source explained that the conditions for entering into new agreements were met. Israel particularly wishes to free several hostages, including women, the wounded, the sick and the elderly. Both members of the Israeli negotiating team were given instructions to start listening to the mediators.
On the Palestinian side, a source indicated that mediators had begun to make proposals in what he described as a “temperature-taking” phase. He expects this phase to be short, given that there are already agreements established in previous negotiations. These agreements concern in particular the classification of Israeli prisoners in Gaza and the characterization of Palestinian prisoners, who were sorted by Palestinian factions. The broad outlines of the negotiations are now clear and the scope of action is better defined.
For their part, two US officials told NBC News that US President Joe Biden’s administration has little hope of achieving a new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and the possible release of more detainees.
This situation reflects the complex challenges faced by the parties involved in the negotiations. The exchange of prisoners is a delicate subject, because it involves human, political and security issues. Nevertheless, the willingness to continue discussions and seek a lasting solution is encouraging.
It is important that all parties continue to work for peace and stability in the region. A ceasefire agreement and prisoner exchange could be an important step toward a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.