Draft for prisoner swap deal completed, to be sent to Hamas: NBC News
3 Min Read
According to informed sources, the agreement involves a phased release of the remaining Israeli captives, and will be accompanied by incremental ceasefires, humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners.
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IOF soldiers walk by a tank during the ground invasion on the Gaza Strip in Khan Younis, on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Sam McNeil)
NBC News reported on Monday, citing knowledgeable sources, that US, Israeli, Egyptian, and Qatari officials have reached an agreement in Paris outlining the framework for a new prisoner swap agreement.
According to the source, the agreement involves a phased release of the remaining Israeli captives and will be accompanied by incremental ceasefires, humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners.
A draft is being presented to the Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas today according to NBC News. Historically, the resistance group has insisted on an immediate permanent ceasefire as a prerequisite, which could potentially be a deal-breaker.
The negotiating team comprised the Qatari Prime Minister and the heads of intelligence agencies from the countries involved, including the CIA's Bill Burns, Mossad's David Barnea, and the head of Egyptian intelligence, Abbas Kamel.
Gaps remain
On Sunday, the Israeli prime minister's office stated that discussions around a second potential Israeli captive swap and a temporary pause in hostilities were "constructive" but that "meaningful gaps" are left.
Netanyahu's office released a statement in which he claimed that parties would continue to discuss those gaps "this week in additional mutual meetings."
Read more: US, Qatar dedicated to uphold terms of Iran unfrozen assets: Qatari FM
The Israeli Channel 12 broadcaster stated that the Israeli leadership considers this meeting crucial, as its goal is to unify the path of Qatari and Egyptian mediation in order to exert joint pressure on the Palestinian resistance.
It added that the main red line for "Israel" so far is not ending the war once the prisoner exchange is completed.
Resistance turns down one-sided proposal
Last Tuesday, the Hamas Resistance movement rejected an Israeli one-sided proposal for a two-month ceasefire, noting that the unconditional release of remaining captives requires that a permanent ceasefire comes into force.
"Israel" reportedly offered to implement a two-month ceasefire on the condition that the Palestinian resistance releases all remaining captives in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.
As part of the proposal, Yahya al-Sinwar and other high-ranking leaders in Gaza would have the opportunity to relocate to other countries.
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity told the Associated Press that leaders of the Palestinian resistance refused to leave Gaza and are insisting on "Israel's" complete withdrawal from the territory, along with the allowance for Palestinians to return to their homes.
Read more: Diplomatic tensions between 'Israel', Qatar as negotiations halted
