May 4th 2024.
In a recent development, it has been reported that Hamas has agreed to release 20 Israeli hostages from their custody, a slightly smaller number than the 33 hostages initially proposed by Israel. This news comes as a glimmer of hope in the midst of ongoing tensions and conflict between the two nations.
A delegation of Hamas leaders, led by Khalil al-Hayva and accompanied by Zaher Jabarin and Ghazi Hamad, recently arrived in Cairo for a new round of talks. These talks focus on negotiating a ceasefire in the war with Israel, as well as the release of Israeli hostages currently being held by Hamas.
According to sources within the Israel Defense Ministry, Hamas has informed the mediators from Qatar and Egypt that they are willing to release 20 Israeli hostages, including women, elderly individuals, and those who are sick. This is a step towards meeting Israel's earlier proposal of releasing 33 hostages in exchange for around 600 Palestinian prisoners being held in Israeli jails.
Meanwhile, Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns has also arrived in Cairo to oversee the indirect mediatory talks. On the other side, the Israeli delegation, led by Mossad Chief David Barnea, is already in Cairo and ready to participate in the negotiations.
In addition to the hostage release, Hamas has also requested a ceasefire period of 40 days, followed by a permanent retreat of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear to the mediators that if the talks do not progress, the Israeli army will invade the Rafah region of the Gaza Strip by next Friday. Sources in the Israel Prime Minister's office have stated that Netanyahu has informed the US that a military operation in Rafah is the only option to free their hostages and defeat Hamas.
As tensions continue to escalate, the elite Nahal Brigade of the Israel Defense Forces is already stationed at Rafah in Gaza, awaiting political clearance for a ground invasion. The situation remains fragile and the outcome of the indirect mediatory talks is eagerly awaited by both sides.
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