Progress Made in Negotiations for Release of Hamas-Held Hostages
A potential breakthrough in negotiations to free hostages held by Hamas in Gaza emerges, as a proposed 4-5 day ceasefire paves the way for the initial release of 50 captives, sources reveal to CNN
Hamas is currently holding hostages in Gaza, and a recent draft of a potential deal suggests a temporary halt in fighting for 4-5 days to secure the initial release of 50 hostages, according to two sources familiar with the negotiations. The text of the agreement has been exchanged for several weeks without reaching a final agreement. However, negotiators from different countries, including senior officials from the Biden administration, are cautiously optimistic about the recent progress. Sources report that the gaps in some significant issues are starting to close, and although the negotiations could still collapse, an agreement could be reached within days.
"We believe that we are now closer to reaching an agreement than at any other point since these negotiations began several weeks ago," stated deputy national security adviser Jon Finer during an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper on "State of the Union" on Sunday. Finer emphasized that although progress has been made, a final deal has not yet been established.
The talks have shown to be fragile, as evidenced by the fact that Hamas temporarily suspended negotiations on multiple occasions, according to two sources from CNN. One of the key concerns raised by the terrorist group, which seemingly led to Hamas abruptly halting the discussions, was the Israeli raid on Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. However, the negotiations eventually resumed.
The implementation of the deal, including aid shipments to Gaza, remains an unresolved issue, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. This comes after a meeting between Qatar's prime minister and Brett McGurk, the White House coordinator for Middle East affairs. Qatar has played a central role in facilitating these discussions.
The latest talks have suggested a gradual release of civilian hostages, with potential pauses in the process increasing after Hamas frees a significant number of those abducted, as per sources.
Israel has provided a roster of about 100 civilian hostages to be included in the agreement, as per one CNN source. Israel has publicly insisted on the release of all hostages. Hamas has expressed willingness to release 50 hostages during a multi-day pause, with the possibility of releasing approximately 20 to 25 more as the pauses are prolonged. Hamas has stated the need for pauses in the ongoing conflict in order to gather hostages who are held by various Hamas-affiliated groups in different locations within Gaza.
The National Security Council and the Israeli embassy in the US declined to provide any comments regarding this story. The Qatari Embassy in the US did not respond promptly to the comment request.
There are still unresolved details regarding aid, as Israel has expressed concern about the possibility of aid benefiting Hamas instead of the civilian population. According to one source, Hamas initially requested 500 trucks of aid daily. Although no agreement has been reached on the number of aid trucks that could enter Gaza, it is logistically challenging to have more than 200 trucks.
There are also inquiries regarding the inspection of trucks and the designated points of entry. Following the initial pauses for hostages, the aid, including fuel and cooking oil for bakeries, would continue to be delivered. CNN's Priscilla Alvarez contributed to this report.
