Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt – A Hamas leader said on Wednesday that “optimism” dominates indirect talks between the movement and Israel. These talks aim at putting an end to the war in the Gaza Strip.
He pointed out that the two parties exchanged “examinations of the prisoners whose release is required”.
The media advisor to the head of the movement’s political bureau, Taher Al-Nono, said that her delegation showed “the necessary positivity and responsibility”.
He added: “The mediators are making great efforts to remove any obstacles to the steps to implement the ceasefire. A spirit of optimism is spreading among everyone”.
He continued: “The negotiations focused on mechanisms for implementing an end to the war. They also discussed the withdrawal of the occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, and the exchange of prisoners. Today (Wednesday), the lists of prisoners required to be released were exchanged according to the agreed-upon criteria and numbers.
He confirmed that the talks would continue in Egypt.
Sharm El-Sheikh discussions
On Wednesday morning, meetings began in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh for the third day. They aim to discuss mechanisms for implementing US President Donald Trump’s proposal regarding Gaza.
Media reported that the Sharm El-Sheikh meetings include the head of Egyptian General Intelligence, the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, and the head of Turkish Intelligence. Alongside them are the head of the Israeli delegation and American envoys, Steve Witkov and Jared Kushner.
She pointed out that “the Sharm El-Sheikh meetings discuss the prisoners’ file and guarantees that the aggression on Gaza will not be repeated. They also cover the occupation’s withdrawal points, and the depletion of aid to the Strip”.
Indirect negotiations are focused on the plan proposed by Trump last week to end the war.
Trump’s plan received broad international support.
The US president told reporters on Monday that he believed there was a “really good chance” of reaching a permanent agreement.
