3/1/2025–|Last updated: 1/3/202509:54 PM (Mecca time)
The Walla website, quoting an Israeli official, revealed that Tel Aviv handed Hamas a list of the names of 34 detainees, demanding their release in the first phase of the deal, amid reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to grant sufficient authorization to the Israeli negotiating delegation that headed to the Qatari capital. Doha.
The same source added that there are estimates that some of the detainees on the list may not be alive, indicating that Israel’s goal is to release the largest number of living detainees whose names are on the list.
In the same context, Israeli Channel 12 quoted an informed source that an Israeli team left for Qatar on Friday morning, to resume negotiations in an attempt to reach a deal with Hamas.
The source added that there is progress in the discussions, but there are gaps between the parties, and there is no breakthrough that leads to a deal.
He pointed out that the Israeli team heading to Doha is professional, and that it does not include the head of the Mossad foreign intelligence service, David Barnea.
The Walla website quoted Israeli officials as saying that significant progress in the deal negotiations was what prompted Israel to send its delegation to Doha.
Hamas conditions
The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Netanyahu agreed during Friday’s meeting to adequate authorization for the negotiating delegation that left for Qatar to participate in talks on the prisoner exchange.
The newspaper added – quoting an official – that there are gaps despite the progress, while the mediators are examining a solution to Israel’s request to provide a list of the names of the hostages. The official said – according to the newspaper – that Israel is now waiting for Hamas’ response.
In the same context, Hamas announced the resumption of indirect negotiations with Israel regarding the truce in Gaza, on Friday, in Qatar.
The Palestinian movement said – in a statement – “Today, Friday, indirect negotiations will resume in the Qatari capital, Doha,” adding, “This round will focus on the agreement leading to a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of the occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, implementation details, and the return of the displaced to their homes.”
For his part, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, Bassem Naim, said that the movement confirms its continued efforts to communicate with all countries and parties in order to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
He added that the current round of negotiations will focus on a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of the occupation, and the return of the displaced.
For his part, John Kirby, coordinator of strategic policies and communications at the US National Security Council, said that Hamas has a real opportunity to sign a new agreement to release detainees and cease fire.
He added that Hamas started this war and could put an end to it by signing a new agreement, he said.
On the other hand, Israeli media said that a number of prisoners’ families demonstrated today in front of Netanyahu’s headquarters in Jerusalem, to demand the return of the prisoners from Gaza.
Israeli media reported that the mother of a prisoner in Gaza called on Netanyahu to do the right thing today, at a fateful and critical time, she said.