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Al Akhbar: Israel Rejects Key Prisoner Releases

Hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain deadlocked, with sources close to the talks telling Al Akhbar that Israel is approaching the process with a narrow “security-first” mindset and is not showing serious intent toward a broader agreement. The sources claim Israel is creating new obstacles—particularly over the Rafah crossing, where it insists only humanitarian cases be allowed to exit Gaza, while rejecting the return of displaced Palestinians. On prisoner exchanges, Israel reportedly refuses to release high-profile detainees like Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Sa’adat, labeling some prisoners as criminals ineligible for any deal. Talks, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, remain stalled.