Hamas Seeks Release Of Top Palestinian Leaders In Prisoner Swap Talks
Cairo/Sharm El-Sheikh:
Hamas has demanded the release of several high-profile Palestinian leaders, including Marwan Barghouti, from Israeli prisons as part of ongoing hostage-prisoner exchange negotiations, Egyptian state-linked media reported on Tuesday.
According to Al-Qahera News, which is close to Egypt’s intelligence services, talks have begun in Sharm El-Sheikh, focusing on the list of Palestinian inmates Israel could release under a potential ceasefire deal.
Barghouti, a senior member of the Fatah party imprisoned since 2002, is among the most prominent figures sought for release. Other names reportedly include Ahmad Saadat, Hassan Salameh, and Abbas Al-Sayed.
Part Of Wider Ceasefire Plan
The indirect negotiations, which began Monday, are part of a 20-point peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump aimed at securing a Gaza ceasefire. The framework involves the release of hostages held by Hamas and other Palestinian groups since the October 7, 2023 attacks, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Under the proposed terms, Israel may release 250 prisoners serving life sentences and over 1,700 detainees from Gaza captured during the ongoing conflict.
The plan also calls for a phased Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the gradual disarmament of Hamas.
Hamas Signals Willingness
On Sunday, Hamas expressed its readiness to reach an agreement to end the war and carry out an immediate exchange of prisoners and hostages with Israel.
Negotiations continue under Egyptian mediation, with regional and international pressure mounting for a lasting truce in Gaza.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
