Hamas Offers List for Hostage Swap Amid Ongoing Ceasefire Talks

Hamas announced on Wednesday that it has provided a list of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners for a potential swap deal. The militant group expressed optimism regarding ongoing negotiations in Egypt related to a plan proposed by former US President Donald Trump aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. The discussions are focused on mechanisms to cease hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the terms of the proposed swap.

As the talks continue in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, a Palestinian official indicated that the timing for implementing the first phase of Trump’s 20-point initiative has yet to be agreed upon. On Tuesday, which marked the second anniversary of Hamas’s assault on Israel that ignited the current conflict, Trump voiced hope for progress toward a resolution.

A US delegation, which includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former Middle East envoy, is participating in the discussions. This plan has reportedly come closest to establishing a ceasefire. Nevertheless, officials from all parties involved are urging caution regarding the likelihood of a swift agreement.

Israeli officials confirmed that Ron Dermer, a close advisor to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, was scheduled to attend the talks on Wednesday afternoon. Additionally, key mediators, including Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, are also present to facilitate ceasefire negotiations.

Hamas is advocating for a permanent ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the initiation of a comprehensive reconstruction process overseen by a Palestinian “national technocratic body.” Conversely, Israel demands that Hamas disarm, a condition the group has firmly rejected. US officials suggest that initial discussions should prioritize halting the fighting and establishing logistics for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian detainees in Israel.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, Israel has intensified its military operations in Gaza, leading to increased international condemnation. On Wednesday, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the sensitive Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, urging Netanyahu to pursue “complete victory” over Hamas. In a video posted on social media, Ben-Gvir claimed that Israel is “winning” the war in Gaza and called for decisive action against Hamas, stating, “I only pray that our prime minister will allow a complete victory in Gaza as well.”

The Al-Aqsa compound, located in Jerusalem’s walled Old City, is of immense significance to both Muslims and Jews. It is administered by a Jordanian religious foundation, allowing Jewish visits but prohibiting prayer on-site. Ben-Gvir’s statements have raised concerns and could potentially incite further violence, as any alteration to the status quo at this site has historically provoked outrage within the Muslim community.

As the conflict continues, global outrage against Israel’s military actions in Gaza has escalated. The ongoing violence has displaced nearly the entire population of the Gaza Strip and has precipitated a humanitarian crisis. Multiple rights experts and a UN inquiry have characterized the situation as approaching genocide.

Israeli authorities report that over 67,000 people have died as a result of the military offensive that followed the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 251 hostages. Israel maintains that its military operations are a form of self-defense following the initial attack.

As negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh continue, the international community watches closely, hopeful for a breakthrough that could lead to a cessation of hostilities and the restoration of stability in the region.