Israel 'caught off guard' by Hamas flexibility in hostage deal talks - report

 

Hamas source on hostage deal: 'We are close to announcing an agreement' • IDF to remain along Philadelphi Corridor as part of negotiations

Hamas's unexpected flexibility during negotiations for a hostage deal and ceasefire in Gaza surprised Israeli delegates, a source from Hamas told Saudi news outlet Asharq on Saturday.

“We are close to announcing an agreement and a [hostage deal],” said a source claiming to be familiar with the negotiations, “but this hinges on Israel’s awaited response. If no new Israeli conditions are introduced, the agreement will be ready for announcement through the mediators”—referring to Egypt, Qatar, and the United States

The source said that Hamas demonstrated "significant flexibility" during the talks, which surprised Israeli negotiators. This included agreeing to submit a list of living prisoners as part of the first phase and adding 11 prisoners to the list at Israel’s request during the latest round of discussions.

Additionally, Hamas did not object to the continued presence of Israeli forces in the Philadelphi Corridor, the closure of the Rafah crossing, or the positioning of Israeli forces at the Netzarim axis, which separates northern Gaza from the south.

However, the source stressed that these concessions were contingent on guarantees that displaced residents would be allowed to return through an electronic checkpoint equipped with cameras at the western Martyrs Junction (Al-Rashid Road) during the initial phase, which is expected to last six to eight weeks.

According to the source, both sides agreed on the general framework for the second phase of the deal, with contentious issues postponed for further discussion during the implementation of the first phase.