Hamas Demands Release of 7 Top Terror Prisoners in Hostage Deal

Hamas is reportedly leveraging the final stages of the hostage and ceasefire agreement to demand the release of a highly influential group of Palestinian terrorist prisoners, including some of the most prominent terror convicts held by Israel, according to sources close to the ongoing negotiations.

The inclusion of these specific names threatens to become a major stumbling block, as Israel has repeatedly ruled out their release.

Demands for Senior Terror Leaders

Sources speaking to AFP indicate that Hamas is insisting that the final list of security prisoners Israel is set to release must include seven individuals considered senior leaders by the Palestinian public.

One source specified the names being pushed by the terror group:

“Hamas insists that the final list include seven senior leaders, most notably Marwan Barghouti, Ahmad Saadat, Ibrahim Hamed and Abbas Al-Sayyed.”

These figures are viewed by many Palestinians as symbols of the resistance. Marwan Barghouti, currently serving multiple life sentences for directing deadly terror attacks during the Second Intifada, is widely seen as a potential successor to PA President Mahmoud Abbas. Ahmad Saadat is the leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and was convicted for the 2001 assassination of Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze'evi.

Israel’s Firm Rejection

Despite the demands, Israeli officials have maintained a firm position against releasing the highest-profile inmates. Israel has publicly and privately "ruled out releasing Barghouti or other high-profile inmates," viewing their freedom as a catastrophic security and political risk.

The insistence on these particular names complicates the otherwise-prepared exchange. A separate source close to the talks confirmed that Hamas and its allied terror groups have already “completed all preparations” for handing over the living hostages and some of the deceased remains currently held in Gaza.

The focus now shifts to whether Hamas will compromise on its demand for these specific high-value prisoners or if its rigid insistence will derail the final phase of the hostage release planned for the coming days.