by Ennio Bassi
Amid indirect negotiations in Egypt, Hamas says prisoner and hostage lists have been exchanged with Israel, while U.S., Qatari, and Turkish envoys join efforts to push Trump-backed Gaza peace plan forward
Hope for a Gaza ceasefire rose on Wednesday as senior Hamas official Taher al-Nounou confirmed that lists of prisoners and hostages have been exchanged with Israel during ongoing indirect negotiations in Egypt, mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Turkey.
Speaking from Sharm el Sheikh, where talks entered their third day, al-Nounou said optimism is growing:
“The mediators are making great efforts to remove any obstacles to the implementation of the ceasefire, and a spirit of optimism prevails among all parties.”
The talks, based on a 20-point plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, aim to secure the release of all remaining Israeli hostages, the return of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
High-level participants include Trump’s special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Turkey’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin.
Trump, speaking from the Oval Office on Tuesday, said:
“There’s a real chance that we could do something… We want a release of the hostages immediately. This could lead to peace in the Middle East, beyond just Gaza.”
Tensions Erupt Over Al-Aqsa Visit
While negotiations continue, tensions flared after Israel’s far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem—a deeply sensitive religious site.
Ben-Gvir prayed at the site and called for a “complete victory” over Hamas, stating in a video:
“We are the owners of the Temple Mount… With God’s help, we will return the hostages and win a complete victory.”
Hamas condemned the visit as a deliberate provocation, warning it could destabilize the fragile progress of the talks.
Aid Flotillas Intercepted as Gaza Crisis Worsens
As diplomacy plays out, Israel intercepted another Gaza-bound aid flotilla early Wednesday. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported that three vessels carrying humanitarian supplies were boarded in international waters, 220km off the coast of Gaza.
Israel confirmed the operation, calling it a necessary measure to uphold the legal blockade. Critics, including Turkey, condemned the action as “piracy” and a violation of international law, noting that more than $110,000 in medical and nutritional aid was on board.
This follows a similar incident days earlier, when Israel detained over 450 activists attempting to deliver supplies to Gaza.
War’s Toll Deepens
As ceasefire efforts intensify, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to spiral. According to the UN, 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, and a famine has been declared in several areas.
The Gaza Health Ministry has documented over 67,000 deaths, including more than 18,000 children. A UN commission recently accused Israel of committing acts of genocide, a charge Israel firmly denies, citing self-defence against Hamas.
Meanwhile, activist vigils and political backlash have spread globally. In New York, Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani faced criticism from Israeli officials after attending a pro-ceasefire vigil and calling Israel’s campaign in Gaza a “genocidal war.”
What’s Next?
Negotiators remain cautiously hopeful. The U.S. and its partners are pushing for a final agreement that could be reached within days, although Hamas says it may need additional time to locate the bodies of hostages buried under rubble.
As diplomatic momentum builds, the world watches closely—with hostages still in captivity, aid blockaded, and Gaza’s humanitarian crisis worsening by the hour.
(Associated Medias) – Tutti i diritti sono riservati
L’articolo Hostage Lists Exchanged as Ceasefire Talks Between Israel and Hamas Enter Crucial Phase proviene da Associated Medias.
