Gaza Negotiations: Hamas Agrees to Release 10 Hostages

Hamas announced yesterday, Wednesday, its agreement to release 10 hostages as part of the ongoing ceasefire negotiations in the Qatari capital, Doha, amid difficult negotiations due to Israeli "obstinacy," according to an official statement.

Hamas explained that key points are still under negotiation, including the flow of aid, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and genuine international guarantees for a permanent ceasefire.

Sources confirmed American guarantees to Hamas regarding the war-ending clause, despite lingering obstacles hindering significant progress, indicating that the Israeli delegation in Qatar does not have full authority, and that the issue of the Morag axis has become a strategic point in the negotiations.

The sources also emphasized that progress in the negotiations requires American pressure to compel Israel to redeploy forces in Gaza.

In a related context, Israeli Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi announced favorable conditions for advancing an agreement ensuring the release of hostages, noting "significant achievements" during military operations against Hamas.

Meanwhile, Hamas leader Taher al-Nunu affirmed ongoing challenges in the negotiations, considering clear international guarantees essential for implementing any agreement, emphasizing that Hamas's stance includes complete withdrawal and cessation of war.

In separate statements, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the prospects of reaching a temporary 60-day ceasefire and releasing half of the hostages as "positive," while Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi expressed readiness to negotiate a permanent ceasefire if the temporary truce agreement is achieved.

American envoy Steve Whitekov reported that Israel and Hamas managed to resolve three out of the four outstanding issues during "converging" talks in Doha, expressing hope for a final agreement by the end of this week.