Release of hostages; two crucial blocking points identified

Progress in the negotiations in Doha: two crucial sticking points identified

Ongoing discussions in Doha between Israel and Hamas appear to be moving forward, despite two major issues remaining unresolved. According to Hamas sources cited by the Lebanese media Al-Akhbar, negotiations on a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages are progressing within a framework considered “excellent”, but differences remain.

Two Israeli demands at the heart of tensions
The first sticking point concerns the Israeli demand that Hamas provide a complete list of prisoners, including those who have died and those still alive. According to the sources, such a demand would require a temporary truce of at least a week to allow Hamas and other groups active in Gaza to locate and verify the status of the hostages.

The second point in dispute concerns Israeli soldiers detained in Gaza. Israel insists that they be included in the lists of prisoners released under the so-called “humanitarian” phase of the agreement. This request is perceived by Hamas as a modification of the terms previously discussed.

A measured optimism
Despite these differences, Hamas sources affirm that “the majority of outstanding issues have already been resolved,” suggesting a favorable outcome. They believe that if Israel demonstrates a real desire to conclude an agreement, the last two obstacles can be overcome.

The positions of mediators and diplomats
Diplomats involved in the talks, speaking anonymously to The Jerusalem Post, confirmed that several hurdles remained to be overcome. Of these, Hamas has not yet presented a list of hostages ready for release, nor a list of prisoners it wishes to see released from Israeli prisons.

A solution envisaged for released prisoners
Arab media reports that some security prisoners, if released under a future deal, could be deported to third countries like Qatar or Turkey. This measure could serve as a compromise to ease tensions and meet Israeli security requirements.

Towards an imminent agreement?
As negotiations progress, the desire of both parties to reach an agreement appears clear. However, the complexity of mutual demands and the need for careful coordination between the actors involved are further delaying the conclusion of this crucial agreement. The coming days will be decisive in knowing whether common ground can be found, thus putting an end to this diplomatic impasse.

Jforum.fr