Conflicting Reports on Prisoner Exchange Deal: Calls for a “Comprehensive Agreement”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced “some progress” in negotiations aimed at securing the release of prisoners held in Gaza.

The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth cited a well-informed Israeli source as saying, “Current estimates rule out the possibility of reaching a deal before the end of the year, as the progress in negotiations remains below expectations.”

The source added, “It’s hard to believe Hamas would agree to a partial deal in exchange for a ceasefire without halting the ongoing war.”

Challenges in the Negotiations

Meanwhile, Haaretz reported, quoting informed sources, that it is difficult to evaluate the feasibility of meeting the timeline set by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump for reaching a prisoner exchange deal.

The sources noted that the negotiations require more time, with bridging the gaps dependent on decisions by the political leadership. One insider told the newspaper, “Israel has not and will not agree to withdraw completely from the Philadelphi Route,” a critical sticking point obstructing the deal’s progress.

Opposition and Public Sentiment

Opposition leader Yair Lapid said, “The majority of Israelis want an official inquiry and a comprehensive deal to bring back all those held in Gaza.”

During a Knesset session, Lapid accused Netanyahu of policies that threaten Israel’s future, stating, “The opposition will not allow Netanyahu to dismantle the State of Israel through his actions.”

The families of prisoners in Gaza issued a statement asserting that ending the war in the Strip and reaching a comprehensive agreement to bring back all prisoners is “in Israel’s national interest.”

The statement urged, “Every patriotic Israeli must raise their voice clearly in support of ending the war.”

Military Readiness Amid Negotiations

On another front, Channel 14 reported that “three Israeli military brigades are operating in Gaza, with a fourth brigade preparing to enter the besieged Strip if prisoner exchange negotiations with Hamas fail.”

The report added, “If the deal collapses, we are likely to see the 98th Brigade, led by Brigadier General Guy Levy, enter the Strip, signaling the continuation of the ground maneuver and a renewed military push to pressure Hamas into surrender.”

Progress Amid Obstacles

Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine issued a joint statement on Saturday, announcing progress toward reaching a ceasefire agreement.

However, since the only week-long truce in November 2023, the negotiations have faced numerous challenges. The primary sticking point remains the establishment of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Reports also indicate that the future governance of Gaza post-conflict remains a major unresolved issue.