Rabat – Israeli media said yesterday that Hamas and Israel are reportedly close to finalizing the captives deal.
The Israeli Yedioth Ahronoth reported that official sources said the two sides have agreed on 90% of the deal.
The newspaper outlined the deal’s progress in two phases: the release of elderly and sick Israeli captives, for humanitarian reasons, and then the release of military personnel.
Meanwhile, a key point of contention is that Hamas has been demanding guarantees that Israel will implement the second phase of the deal and link it to the first phase of the deal.
Hamas fears that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will resume its genocide on Gaza after implementing the first phase of the deal and achieving the subsequent political gains.
Hamas announced on January 6 it is willing to release 34 Israeli captives during the “first phase” of the potential agreement.
Negotiations, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., have faced interruptions due to new conditions imposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
After meeting President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, Netanyahu sent a high-level delegation on Saturday, a move that was welcomed by the families of Israeli captives.
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An Israeli official stated that the indirect talks have seen some progress between the two sides.
Amid Israel’s ongoing genocide on Gaza, mediators are hopeful to reach a complete ceasefire and free prisoners.
On the other side, Hamas seeks a comprehensive ceasefire, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a halt to attacks as part of the agreement.
Despite ongoing talks, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) continue to bomb Gaza, with significant casualties reported.
At least 46,565 Palestinians have been killed and 109,660 injured since Israel’s genocide on the enclave began on October 7, 2023.
