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Demonstration by family members of hostages
(Photo: Headquarters of abducted families )
A Hamas source said that in exchange for a 6-week ceasefire and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, 35-40 Israelis could be released. Let us remind you that according to the latest data, 134 people are still in captivity in Gaza, at least 32 of them are not alive.
According to the Israeli source, the agreement will be put to a vote – first in the military cabinet, and then in the wider military-political one. At the same time, he noted, the implementation of the deal will not come soon.
Here are the main provisions of the agreements reached.
► Number of prisoners released
Knowledgeable Hamas sources said the terrorists are being flexible on three main demands, including the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, the duration of the ceasefire and the number of Palestinian prisoners released.
After the first round of negotiations in Paris, the Arabic-language Sky news network reported that the first stage of the deal would see the release of 35 women, elderly children and wounded prisoners in Gaza. In exchange, 200-300 Palestinian prisoners will be released for every hostage held in Israeli prisons. At one time in Israel they said that such a formula was unacceptable. The final formula for the new agreements is not yet clear, but it can be assumed that an agreement has been reached that is more acceptable from Israel’s point of view.
►Cessation of hostilities
After the first round of negotiations, it was said that as part of the deal there would be a break in hostilities for 45 days. The same amount (6-7 weeks) is also discussed at the second stage. Hamas says it will be willing to extend the 6-week ceasefire rounds in the future if negotiations on a final settlement allow it to continue.
►Withdrawal of troops from Gaza
Hamas is reportedly not pushing for a complete withdrawal of IDF forces from Gaza at this time, but is demanding a withdrawal from city centers in order to allow local residents to return to their homes. According to Palestinian sources, Israel has agreed to demands for the return of refugees to the northern part of the Strip and the removal of checkpoints between the northern and southern parts of Gaza.
