By GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Disagreements over Israel’s future military presence in Gaza and Palestinian prisoner releases are hindering progress on a ceasefire and hostage deal, according to ten sources familiar with recent U.S.-mediated talks.
The sources, including two Hamas officials and three Western diplomats, told The Associated Press that the disputes stem from demands Israel has introduced since Hamas accepted a version of a ceasefire proposal unveiled by U.S. President Joe Biden in May.
Key points of contention include Israeli troops along the Netzarim Corridor, an east-west strip dividing northern and southern Gaza, and Israeli control of the Philadelphi Corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt. The release and potential exile of Palestinian prisoners is also a significant issue.
Hamas views these demands as last-minute changes to previously agreed terms. The group’s media office did not respond to requests for comment. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also did not comment on the talks.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently concluded a regional tour, presenting a new proposal aimed at bridging differences. Blinken urged Hamas to accept the proposal, stating that Israel had already done so.
The next round of talks is expected to take place in Cairo in the coming days, based on the U.S. bridging proposal. Key negotiators from the CIA, Mossad, Qatar, and Egypt are expected to attend.
Egypt has expressed willingness to enhance security measures in the Philadelphi Corridor but rejects the presence of Israeli troops there, according to Egyptian security sources.
The ongoing war began on October 7 when Hamas attacked Israeli communities and military bases, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. The subsequent Israeli military campaign in Gaza has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local health authorities.
Negotiations for a ceasefire deal and hostage release continue, with mediators working to overcome the remaining obstacles.
