Lists of prisoners to be released exchanged: Hamas on ceasefire talks
5 Min Read
Hamas and Israeli officials continue indirect talks in Sharm el-Sheikh under US, Egyptian, and Qatari mediation, exchanging prisoner lists and advancing a ceasefire plan.
-
Israeli captive Tal Shoham is escorted by Palestinian Resistance fighters before being handed over to the Red Cross in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, as part of a prisoner exchange deal, on February 22, 2025 (AP)
Ongoing negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, have seen Hamas and Israeli officials discuss a potential ceasefire and prisoner exchange under the mediation of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.
The talks are centered around a 20-point peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, which includes provisions for a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners and Israeli captives.
Taher al-Nounou, advisor to Hamas’ Political Bureau chief, described the movement’s approach in the talks as “positive and responsible,” aimed at achieving tangible progress and completing the agreement.
Progress on prisoner exchange
Al-Nounou confirmed that both sides have exchanged lists of prisoners and captives in accordance with previously agreed criteria. He also emphasized that mediators are working to remove obstacles to the implementation of a ceasefire, noting a growing sense of optimism among participants.
“Hamas is prepared to immediately discuss the details of the prisoner swap through the mediators,” al-Nounou said, highlighting the movement’s commitment to a comprehensive and orderly resolution.
Read more: True peace in Middle East requires a Palestinian state: El-Sisi
Trump voices optimism
Trump expressed optimism regarding the talks, describing them as proceeding at a “very rapid and highly successful pace.” He stressed the United States’ commitment to security guarantees and supporting the release of captives.
Trump confirmed that US envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner are actively participating in the negotiations on the ground in Egypt.
Read more: Trump: 'Israel' agrees to initial withdrawal pending Hamas reply
El-Sisi invites Trump to potential Gaza peace agreement signing in Egypt
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi extended an invitation to US President Donald Trump to visit Egypt to attend the signing ceremony of a potential agreement to end the war in Gaza, in the event that negotiations succeed.
Head of the General Intelligence Services Major General Hassan Rashad and his Turkish counterpart, Ibrahim Kalin, will be part of the talks, alongside Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of a new class at the Police Academy on Wednesday, el-Sisi expressed deep respect and appreciation for Trump’s “genuine determination to end the war during the current round of negotiations.”
Addressing Trump directly, al-Sisi added, “It would be truly wonderful if, should an agreement be reached, you could attend its signing.”
“I invite President Trump, in the event of reaching an agreement, to be present for the signing of this accord in Egypt.”
Reports 'very encouraging'
El-Sisi underscored that negotiations to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of captives are ongoing in the Red Sea city of Sharm al-Sheikh in the presence of delegations from Egypt, Qatar, Israel, Hamas, and the United States, including “very important envoys” sent by Trump.
The president stated that he received “very encouraging” reports regarding the ongoing talks.
He made an announcement “to the Egyptians, the region, and the world” that those US senior envoys have come with “strong will, a clear message, and a firm mandate to end the war during this round of negotiations.”
El-Sisi thanked Trump’s support for the talks by sending the envoys.
“I value all that he is doing and say to him: continue your support and your will to end the war.”
The Egyptian president expressed his hope that the talks would succeed in reaching an agreement to end the war, secure the release of all captives, facilitate the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and enable the reconstruction of the enclave.
El-Sisi underscored that the whole world is deeply concerned with ending this crisis, delivering aid, releasing captives, and rebuilding Gaza.
He emphasized that ending the war is crucial to realizing the aspirations of the Palestinian people for an independent state.
Hamas sets conditions for ceasefire, reconstruction
While showing constructive engagement, Hamas has outlined clear conditions for agreement, including a permanent ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and assurances that the reconstruction of Gaza will remain under Palestinian supervision.
These measures, Hamas insists, are essential in any deal. Moreover, the Resistance movement has insisted that some points mentioned in Trump's plan, particularly those related to the future governance of Gaza and the rights of the Palestinian people, “are linked to a comprehensive national stance based on relevant international laws and resolutions.”
Hamas' stance in this ongoing round of negotiations has seen broad support from Palestinian Resistance factions, who called on the relevant authorities to conduct national discussions on issues relating to governance in the Gaza Strip.
Read more: Hamas rejects fabricated reports on its disarmament stance
