Israel Dispute over hostage list hinders progress in Gaza negotiations
A dispute over a list of names of the remaining hostages held by the Islamist terrorist organization Hamas is apparently hindering progress in the negotiations on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. According to reports in the Israeli media, Hamas is refusing to hand over such a list. This is creating "considerable difficulties" in the negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the USA.
25.12.2024, 16:02
SDA
After more than a week of intensive negotiations in Qatar, Israel recalled its negotiators on Tuesday. According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, there were to be internal consultations on the continuation of the negotiations.
Hamas circles said they were prepared to hand over a list of hostages who could be released in a first phase. However, the organization rejected Israel's demand to hand over a complete list of all those still alive among the 100 hostages.
In a press release, the organization once again accused Israel of blocking the negotiations with new demands. These include the withdrawal of troops from the Gaza Strip, the ceasefire, the prisoners and the return of internally displaced persons to their homes. In principle, the talks in Qatar had made serious progress and Hamas had shown flexibility.
Netanyahu's office then accused Hamas of lying. The organization had not adhered to agreements that had already been made and was repeatedly creating problems in the negotiations. However, Israel would "continue its unceasing efforts to return all our hostages".
An independent review of the mutual accusations is currently not possible.
