“Israel” demands release of 34 captives in Gaza as negotiations resume
OCCUPIED PALESTINE, Jan.04 (YPA) – An Israeli official said on Saturday that “Tel Aviv” has handed over to Hamas a list of 34 detainees in Gaza, demanding their release in the first phase of the exchange deal.
The official added, according to the Hebrew news site “Walla,” that “there are estimates that some of the detainees listed on the list may not be alive,” noting that the goal of the occupation is to release as many living prisoners as possible whose names are on the list.
In contrast, Hamas said that negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the exchange of prisoners resumed on Friday in the Qatari capital, Doha.
The movement, in a statement, pointed out its efforts to achieve a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of the occupation forces from the Strip, and the return of displaced people to their homes in all parts of Gaza.
It affirmed its “seriousness and positivity” in seeking to reach an agreement as soon as possible, aiming to achieve the aspirations and goals of its steadfast people, most notably ending the aggression and protecting the population amidst the genocide and ethnic cleansing carried out by the occupation.
The movement stressed the importance of not dealing with information and leaks from unknown sources, published by some parties with the aim of causing confusion, increasing pressure, and disrupting popular support.
In turn, a well-informed source told Channel 12 that an “Israeli team” left on Friday morning for Qatar to resume negotiations, in an attempt to reach a deal with Hamas.
The source added that there has been progress in the talks, but there are still gaps between the parties, and no breakthrough has been made that would lead to an agreement.
The source also noted that the “Israeli team” heading to Doha is professional and does not include the head of the Israeli Foreign Intelligence Service, Mossad, David Barnea.
The website “Walla” quoted Israeli officials as saying that significant progress in the deal negotiations is what prompted Israel to send its delegation to Doha.
The Hebrew “Yedioth Ahronoth” newspaper reported that Netanyahu agreed during a meeting on Friday to grant sufficient authority to the negotiating delegation that left for Qatar to participate in talks about a prisoner exchange.
The newspaper added, citing a source, that there are still gaps despite the progress, while mediators are seeking a solution to Israel’s request to provide a list of detainees.
The source said that “Israel” is now awaiting Hamas’ response, according to the newspaper.
@E.Y.M