As indirect talks continue in Sharm El Sheikh, a senior Hamas source says the group is tying the release of Israeli hostages to a clear timetable for Israel's full withdrawal from Gaza. Hamas delegates insist that "the release of the last hostage must coincide with the final Israeli pullout from Palestinian territories," raising the stakes in the mediation efforts led by Egypt.
Hamas’s delegation, headed by senior official Khalil al-Hayya, arrived in the Red Sea city with an explicit mandate: secure an immediate and permanent halt to the fighting and negotiate a prisoner-hostage swap. al-Hayya told Al Qahera News TV that his group stands "with all responsibility" to stop the conflict once conditions are met.
Diplomats in Cairo have been shuttling between the parties for weeks, attempting to bridge gaps over security, border control and the definition of a ceasefire. Hamas's demand for a full withdrawal adds complexity to a process already burdened by deep mistrust and years of unresolved tensions.
For young readers tracking global flashpoints, this moment underscores how hostage diplomacy can influence broader peace negotiations. As talks advance, key indicators to watch include:
- The timeline for any Israeli pullout.
- Guarantees for the safe release and repatriation of hostages.
- The role of regional mediators in securing a durable ceasefire.
With international attention focused on Sharm El Sheikh, the outcome of these talks could reshape discussions on humanitarian access and long-term stability in Gaza.
Reference(s):
Hamas demands full Israeli withdrawal in exchange for hostage release
cgtn.com
