Hamas Keen to Reach Deal, Begin Prisoner Exchange ‘Immediately’!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

A senior Hamas official has said the group is eager to reach an agreement to end the war with Israel and begin a prisoner exchange “immediately,” as negotiators from both sides gather in Egypt for talks. [1]

What the Official Stated

• The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
  “Hamas is very keen to reach an agreement to end the war and immediately begin the prisoner exchange process in accordance with the field conditions.” [1]
• He warned that any obstruction by Israel would undermine the process:
  “The occupation must not obstruct the implementation of [President] Trump’s plan. If the occupation has genuine intentions to reach an agreement, Hamas is ready.” [1]
• According to the source, the negotiations would first focus on establishing the “field conditions” required to exchange captives held in Gaza as a prelude to the formal swap. [1] Negotiation Context
• The talks are expected to take place in Cairo, possibly moving to Sharm el‑Sheikh, with indirect contact between delegations. [1]
• Israel and Hamas negotiators will discuss maps, withdrawal routes, timelines, and the release of prisoners—some sources say more than 1,700 Palestinian detainees could be part of the swap. [1]
• Hamas insists Israeli military operations must pause (ground and aerial) and forces withdraw from Gaza’s inner sectors as part of the conditions. [2]

Challenges & Points of Friction

• A key obstacle is Israel’s insistence on only releasing prisoners deemed “less dangerous,” while Hamas demands broader swaps. [3]
• The process of defining “field conditions,” timing, and supervision of the exchange will be delicate and heavily contested.
• Trust issues remain high: both parties have in past talks accused the other of breaking terms or inserting new conditions.
• Some mediators warn that the success of any deal will hinge on whether each side respects its promises once ceasefire provisions are implemented.

Citations:

1. Prothomalo: en.prothomalo.com/international/middle-east/u7ujs5atnx?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Arab News: www.arabnews.com/node/2617809/middle-east?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Palestine Chronicle: www.palestinechronicle.com/report-hamas-israel-closer-to-concluding-prisoner-exchange-deal/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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