Hamas refusing to hand over list of hostages to free in deal
Recent optimism surrounding the hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas has given way to mounting frustration as Israeli officials reveal significant obstacles in their dealings with the terrorist group—specifically, Mohammed Sinwar.Sources close to the talks paint a picture of deliberate obstruction, describing how slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s brother has consistently misled mediators over weeks, stonewalling requests for hostage lists and withdrawing from previously reached agreements.Security and political officials have expressed deep concern over Sinwar’s handling of the negotiations.Two critical roadblocks persist: Hamas’s continued refusal to provide a list of hostages for initial release, and disagreements over the Palestinian prisoner exchange ratio and deportation terms.Israeli officials emphasize that a hostage list is a fundamental prerequisite and that Hamas’s refusal to provide one is effectively preventing discussion of other contested issues.The war’s conclusion remains another point of contention.
Despite initially indicating a willingness to set aside this demand in order to start talks, Hamas now insists on including a pathway to end the war in any agreement.As reported earlier this week, security officials have privately told ministers that entering into the first phase of a deal would likely lead to its eventual completion.Cabinet ministers appear increasingly willing to accept the heavy costs involved in such a deal but remain opposed to ending the war.Areas of progress do exist: Agreement has been reached on releasing those hostages meeting basic humanitarian criteria, and on expanding aid provisions to Gaza.
The positioning of Israeli forces during any ceasefire also appears to have preliminary consensus.A senior Cabinet minister revealed to Israel Hayom that while several issues under discussion could lead to a breakthrough, each also carries the potential to derail negotiations entirely.Both parties are mindful o...