Final Standoff
Trump Plan Fail? Hamas Demands Complete IDF Withdrawal for Release of Final Captives
Negotiations to end the Gaza war are progressing in Egypt, but Hamas is demanding the release of its top imprisoned commanders and a full Israeli withdrawal before handing over the last of the captives.
Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas resumed in Sharm el-Sheikh on Tuesday, marking two years exactly since the October 7 attacks. The talks center on US President Donald Trump’s 20-point proposal to end the war, with an Israeli political official indicating "cautious optimism" despite the ongoing disagreements.
A core provision of the Trump plan requires Hamas to release all 48 remaining Israeli hostages, both the living and the dead, within 72 hours, while Israeli forces would withdraw to a predetermined "yellow line." However, a senior Hamas official told Al Jazeera that the group vehemently opposes this timing. Hamas demands a clear timetable linking the stages of hostage release to the stages of a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The official stated that the release of the final captive "must occur simultaneously with the final withdrawal of Israeli forces." The terror group is also seeking international guarantees for a permanent ceasefire and full withdrawal.
Trump Highly Optimistic as Negotiators Head to Egypt
In Washington, President Trump expressed strong optimism, telling reporters at the White House that "We have a great chance, I really believe it will happen." He added, "We are very close to a deal in the Middle East. The people in Israel want it to happen... Hamas, I think, is fine. I think they want it to happen too." The US President noted that the United States received a strong signal from Iran expressing a desire for the war to end and emphasized unprecedented global backing for the current initiative.
To advance the fragile process, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to join the talks in Egypt, along with Israeli Minister Ron Dermer. An Israeli political official noted that the current direction is positive and that despite the official day of talks concluding, discussions were continuing in side rooms. However, the official cautioned that they must remain very careful because "Hamas can create difficulties and backtrack at any moment."
Mediators from Qatar and Turkey, including Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, are also heading to Sharm el-Sheikh to increase pressure on Hamas. A Saudi report citing an Egyptian source suggested a preliminary agreement could be announced by Thursday or Friday, or by Sunday at the latest if minor obstacles emerge.
Hamas’s "Aces" List of High-Value Prisoners
One major sticking point involves the Palestinian prisoners Hamas is demanding for release. According to reports, Hamas’s list includes individuals they consider "aces," some of the most dangerous and significant figures held by Israel:
The Israeli negotiation team has been instructed by Prime Minister Netanyahu not to allow Hamas to deviate from the terms of the Trump plan or the accompanying withdrawal map. Mediators have reportedly issued an ultimatum to Hamas officials: accept the Trump plan or face possible expulsion from Qatar and Turkey.