Negotiations around the release of the hostages are continuing but are now described as “complex and slow” by sources close to the negotiators.
According to information reported by Egyptian sources, Israel has communicated a list of 34 hostages – out of 100 – whose release it is demanding during the first phase. These are hostages defined as “humanitarian” and include: women, including female soldiers, children, elderly men and wounded soldiers.
Hamas claims that 11 of the 34 names do not meet humanitarian criteria.
In exchange, Israel would release 250 Palestinian prisoners, including murderers sentenced to life imprisonment, all over the age of 20, as well as minor and sick prisoners.
The main point of contention is around the Israeli presence on the Philadelphia axis and the Netzarim corridor.
Furthermore, Hamas is asking for the possibility of transferring “sick people” to Egypt, without control from Israel during the truce period. This clause would allow a good number of terrorists, wanted by Israel, to flee the Gaza Strip without being worried.
The families of hostages who do not meet the so-called “humanitarian” criteria do not hide their concern that a partial release agreement will in reality condemn their loved ones.
