World
January 7, 2025 05:30
gaza, israel, london, doha, south korea - Efforts for a ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement in Gaza between Israel and Hamas are reportedly making progress.
Hamas and Israel are said to have made progress in indirect talks towards a ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement in Gaza, where Israeli attacks have been ongoing for 15 months.
Londra-based Saudi newspaper Asharq al-Awsat published a list containing the names of 34 Israeli hostages to be released in the initial phase. A Hamas official reportedly approved the list.
The list includes 2 children, 10 women, 11 elderly men, and 11 men under 50, but it is unknown who among them are still alive. A Hamas official told the newspaper that it would take about a week to determine the condition of the hostages.
According to Walla news site, Hamas accepted to release the listed names based on having an appropriate number of Palestinian prisoners released in exchange.
However, the office of the Prime Minister of Israel stated that the published hostage list was given to the mediators in July 2024 and that they have not received any information from Hamas regarding the hostages' condition. A government official claimed that the news was spread by Hamas to create psychological terror among the hostage families, and stated that the accuracy of the reports is questionable.
Sources speaking to Israeli newspaper Haaretz mentioned that negotiations are approaching a turning point, and they are optimistic about signing the agreement in the coming days. Hamas reportedly demands a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza Strip and a permanent end to the conflict, while Israel proposes a more limited and short-term agreement.
Antony Blinken, the outgoing US Secretary of State, expressed confidence in achieving a ceasefire and hostage agreement in Gaza, but suggested that it might happen after President Joe Biden leaves office on January 20th. Blinken stated that even if negotiations do not conclude in the next two weeks, he is certain the process will be completed at some point.
Former US President Trump, in an interview with host Hugh Hewitt, warned Hamas once again. Trump expressed solidarity with Israel and warned of dire consequences if the hostages are not released.