Hamas Demands Release of Barghouti in Ongoing Negotiations
In a significant development regarding the ongoing conflict, Israeli media has reported that Hamas is insisting on the release of Palestinian prisoner Marwan Barghouti as part of a potential prisoner exchange deal. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, has indicated that negotiations are progressing, although a final agreement has yet to be reached. Reports suggest that Barghouti could be exiled to Türkiye if a deal is finalized.
Israeli Channel 13 has stated that Tel Aviv has prepared a list of Palestinian prisoners to be released in the initial phase of the exchange. The Israeli Broadcasting Authority has highlighted that Israel is seeking to deport prisoners with long sentences abroad rather than to the West Bank, aiming to minimize the risk of them returning to activities deemed as terrorism by Israel.
Conditions for a Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchange Improve
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office has communicated to families of hostages held in Gaza that conditions for a prisoner exchange deal have improved. This marks the first acknowledgment of progress since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023. The
Israel demands the release of the largest number of living prisoners during the first phase of the agreement,
