Hamas officials are set to meet with Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss a potential truce-for-hostages deal, as confirmed by a Hamas official.
The Qatar-brokered proposal involves three stages, leading to the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. The proposed truce would be phased, with the release of civilians, soldiers, and the bodies of those killed in captivity.
Both sides are expected to commit to halting military operations throughout the process. Hamas seeks a permanent ceasefire and an exchange of prisoners, insisting on Israel’s full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip for the negotiations to succeed. The Times of Israel reported this development on Wednesday.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh will visit Cairo to discuss the potential deal. Talks on Wednesday will focus on the duration of the lull in fighting during the first stage and the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released.
A separate report suggests Hamas may demand 100-250 Palestinian prisoners for each IDF soldier released. Israel and Hamas are expected to reach an agreement by early next week, according to Egyptian security officials.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office denies reports of significant concessions, emphasizing that the war will only end when all goals are achieved, and the IDF will not withdraw from the Gaza Strip or release thousands of terrorists. Netanyahu reiterated these points during a visit to a pre-military academy in the West Bank.
