Hamas demands Israel cease drone flights over Gaza in hostage talks, sources indicate

Hamas has demanded that Israel cease the use of surveillance drones over Gaza as part of its proposal to halt military operations in exchange for the release of hostages held by the terrorist group. According to two Israeli officials and a third source familiar with the negotiations, although Israel may be willing to temporarily suspend military operations to facilitate the release of numerous hostages, it is unlikely to agree to the drone request. This is because it would result in a loss of surveillance on the movements of Hamas operatives, including any potential attempts to relocate the hostages within the Gaza strip.

The demand made by Hamas regarding drone overflights has not been previously disclosed. With ongoing intense discussions, it is uncertain whether this demand is still being considered or if Israel has already rejected it and set it aside as part of the negotiations. On Friday, a spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in Washington declined to provide any comments.

The Israeli military has consistently flown drones over Gaza's skies, extensively using them for surveillance during their military operations. Amidst ongoing negotiations, Israel has been cautious about achieving the release of hostages while also being wary of Hamas potentially taking advantage of any pause to hinder Israel's military advantage and reorganize.

A temporary cessation of hostilities, coupled with Israel refraining from deploying its drones in Gazas airspace, would strip the IDF of a vital means of monitoring Hamas activities from an aerial perspective. This could potentially enable Hamas to relocate its fighters in preparation for the expiry of the ceasefire, leaving Israeli troops vulnerable on the ground, while also affording Hamas an opportunity to shuffle the whereabouts of the hostages.

Furthermore, the Pentagon has been utilizing US surveillance drones to aid Israel in locating the hostages, of whom approximately 10 are believed to be American citizens. US officials have clarified that the intelligence gathered by these American drones is not being utilized for engaging in lethal strikes.

The negotiating parties, consisting of Israel, Hamas, and the US, with the mediation of Qatar, are actively working towards reaching an agreement on various unresolved issues. These include determining the duration of a potential ceasefire and the release of hostages, as reported by informed sources.

On Friday, President Joe Biden had a conversation with Qatar's leader, Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as shared by a knowledgeable individual. Qatar has been hosting talks regarding the release of hostages, with the participation of Israeli and US intelligence officials. This marked the second conversation between the two leaders within the span of a week.

The women and children are the hostages who are expected to be released first. Along with this, Hamas has requested the release of women and children imprisoned in Israel. Sources also state that Hamas has made additional demands during the negotiations, including increased aid and fuel for Gaza. Furthermore, they have urged for the return of Palestinians who had sought refuge in the southern region to go back to northern Gaza, which is currently under Israeli control.

According to a source, progress has been made, but the situation is not yet resolved. They warned that a positive outcome was not guaranteed and that reaching a deal, if it happens, would still likely take a few more days.

Israel's National Security Council chairman, Tzachi Hanegbi, stated on Friday that Israel has been under significant international pressure to announce a ceasefire and humanitarian pauses in Gaza without any requirement for the release of hostages. Hanegbi deemed these demands as unattainable.

Hanegbi emphasized that Israel would only consider a ceasefire once it is certain that the hostages can be freed, without any manipulation or serving Hamas' public relations agenda. Moreover, he stressed that even if a ceasefire is agreed upon under such circumstances, it would be of limited duration.

Senior officials from the Biden administration, such as National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, NSC Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk, and CIA Director Bill Burns, have been extensively involved in the ongoing efforts to secure the release of the hostages in Gaza. Sources indicate that they have been actively engaged, almost on an hourly basis. McGurk, who is currently in the Middle East for a multi-country trip, is specifically working towards achieving progress in resolving the hostage situation. CNN has described the process as highly emotional, intense, and challenging, particularly in recent days as a potential deal seemed more attainable.

Biden stated on Wednesday night that he works diligently, five to six times a day, to find ways to assist in the release of hostages and create a significant pause for this to occur. CNN's Tamar Michaelis also reported on this.