couple reunites 2 years after kidnapping by Hamas

Some of Israel’s prisoners have also been released and are on their way to Gaza. Hamas tried to change the list of prisoners to be handed over by Israel. A representative of the Palestinian authority close to the negotiations said that the group is still fighting for the release of seven high-ranking prisoners. Among them are Marwan Barghouti, leader of Fatah, and Ahmad Saadat, of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

Israel and Hamas must now negotiate the implementation of the next steps of the US 20-point plan. The plan calls for the Palestinian group to disarm and relinquish control of Gaza after the end of the conflict. Islamic representatives say they will not govern the territory after the war. “It’s a closed matter,” a source from the Islamist movement close to the negotiations told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Hamas will not participate in any way in the transition phase, meaning it has given up control of the Strip, but remains a fundamental part of the Palestinian social fabric.
Hamas leader, to AFP

Comments precede the holding of a summit to debate the future of Gaza, scheduled for today. The peace meeting is designed by Trump and the president of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al Sisi. The summit is scheduled to take place in Egypt, a territory that borders the Gaza Strip, and should bring together representatives from more than 20 countries. It is not yet known whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will participate in the meetings.

Mediators still face the difficult task of securing a long-term political solution. Despite the apparent progress, leaders fear that Hamas will not hand over its weapons and try to maintain control of Gaza. “Hamas accepts a long-term truce and that its weapons will not be used during this period, except in the event of an Israeli attack,” said a source close to the negotiating team.

Netanyahu says there are still “major security challenges ahead.” In a speech, the Prime Minister of Israel praised the performance of the Israeli Army. He foresees the “beginning of a new path” after the release of the hostages, but says he is still on alert for Hamas’ future reactions.”