He agreement between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza Strip and the release of hostages entered a decisive stage this Thursday, while the prime minister’s cabinet Benjamin Netanyahu was preparing for vote for approval. The uncertainty centers on the list of prisoners to be releasedwhich generated strong tensions between both parties.
The preliminary document, which marks the first phase of the peace planwas signed in Egypt by the representatives of all the delegations, as confirmed by the Israeli Government spokesperson, Shosh Bedrosian. “The final draft of the first phase was signed this morning in Egypt by all parties to free all the hostages”Bedrosian expressed to reporters.
Despite this announcement, the Israeli Executive clarified that the understanding It will only come into force when it receives cabinet approval. The vote was scheduled for 6:00 p.m. local time (12:00 in Argentina), after a previous cabinet meeting security.
Controversy over prisoner list
The most intense discussions focused on the names of Palestinian prisoners included in the negotiation. Among the claims of Hamas there was that of historic Fatah leader, Marwan Barghoutiimprisoned in Israel for more than two decades.
However, the Israeli government flatly rejected its inclusion in the exchange. “What I can tell you right now is that it will not be part of this release”Bedrosian reiterated when consulted by the press.
Barghouti meets five life sentences for his participation in organizing terrorist attacks that left five Israelis dead during the Second Intifada. His eventual release had been demanded by Hamas as part of the agreement, which unleashed new friction between the delegations.
In response, the Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi He stated in a message published on X (former Twitter): “Netanyahu Seems Efforts to Blow up Ceasefire Agreement Before Implementation, Backing Down Prisoner Lists”.
Expectation and celebrations in Tel Aviv
While diplomacy tried to unblock the last points of the pact, thousands of Israelis gathered in the central Hostage Square of Tel Aviva space that became a symbol of demand for the release of the kidnapped since the Hamas attack October 7, 2023.
The attendees brought posters with the faces of the captives, flags of Israel and the United States and banners with the slogan “They return home“Some groups, between tears and songs, performed the traditional circle dances in a climate of relief and hope.
The attack of Hamas in October 2023 he left more than 1,200 dead and 250 kidnappedof which 48 still remain in Gaza. The possible entry into force of the agreement represents, for many family members, the first concrete sign of hope after two years of complaints and pain.
Source: Ambito
