Efforts towards achieving peace through indirect negotiations in Qatar's capital have encountered a significant obstacle, with Israel showing reluctance to meet several demands presented on behalf of Hamas.
Sources within the Israeli defense ministry revealed that the Israeli delegation, led by Mossad Chief David Barnea, conveyed to the mediators - including representatives from Qatar and Egypt - their inability to release numerous Palestinian prisoners facing serious charges, including murder.
Hamas had insisted on the release of 350 Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons for grave offenses, including acts of violence resulting in fatalities.
Reportedly, the Israeli side also expressed a desire for the release of their hostages to occur in two stages. Initially, Hamas had proposed a three-step process, prioritizing the release of women, the elderly, and the injured. The second phase, as per Hamas's conditions, would involve freeing Israeli female soldiers in captivity, with the final step encompassing the release of all detainees, including male soldiers.
However, sources disclosed that Israeli negotiators sought the release of both male and female soldiers in the second stage, diverging from Hamas's proposed sequence.
This firm stance taken by the Israeli side has cast a shadow over the peace talks from the outset. It's worth noting that the Israeli security cabinet had outlined certain non-negotiable terms for the negotiators, instructing them to maintain a resolute approach.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant were tasked with overseeing communication with the Israeli negotiators should the need arise.
Sources within the Israeli defense ministry indicated a perception of Hamas's weakened position, suggesting that negotiations must acknowledge this reality on the ground.
Leading the Israeli delegation, Mossad Chief David Barnea, supported by Shin Bet head Ronan Bar, reportedly outlined specific areas in the Gaza Strip where the rehabilitation of displaced Palestinian families could take place, addressing a longstanding demand from Hamas.
During the conflict, several Palestinian families were relocated from their homes in northern Gaza to the southern region. Hamas has been advocating for their return to their original residences.
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