Hamas Hostage Deal Negotiations in Doha Face Two Key Obstacles

The ongoing hostage deal and ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas are reportedly close to a resolution, but two primary obstacles remain, according to Hamas sources. Speaking to the Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese news outlet Al-Akhbar, the sources highlighted the remaining sticking points that could delay an agreement.

The first issue concerns Israel’s demand for a comprehensive list of both living and deceased prisoners held by Hamas. According to the sources, fulfilling this request would require a pause in hostilities for at least one week to allow Hamas and other Gaza-based terror organizations to locate and determine the status of the hostages still in the region.

The second challenge stems from Israel’s demand that soldiers held hostage in Gaza be included in "humanitarian phase" lists of prisoners. Hamas views this as a significant alteration to the original ceasefire agreement and a point of contention in the talks.

Despite these obstacles, the sources expressed optimism that an agreement could still be reached, noting that the status of the negotiations in Doha is "excellent" and that most issues have already been resolved. They also emphasized that if Israel remains genuinely committed to a deal, these remaining points could be overcome.

Diplomats familiar with the talks told The Jerusalem Post that while progress has been made, several hurdles still remain, particularly regarding the lists of prisoners and hostages that have yet to be provided by Hamas. Additionally, reports have indicated that any security prisoners released as part of the deal could potentially be deported to Qatar or Turkey.

Meanwhile, a separate incident in the West Bank saw a bus driver and a group of Israelis attacked by gunmen near Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus. The driver was lightly injured when the vehicle came under fire after dropping off a group of men at the site. The Israeli military sent forces to extract the group, and 19 Israelis, including minors, were arrested for illegally entering Palestinian Authority-controlled areas without prior coordination.