Speaking to Saudi news outlet Asharq Al-Awsat, the official emphasized that Hamas and other militant factions have shown "great flexibility" in agreeing to a gradual cessation of hostilities and an Israeli withdrawal according to a mutually agreed schedule.
The Hamas representative called on the U.S. administration to exert pressure on Israel to help complete the deal. A source familiar with the negotiations indicated that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and his incoming administration are eager to finalize the agreement quickly, potentially before the end of December.
The source noted, "The [Arab] factions are interested, but the main problem is in Israel's position." Reports from Al-Akhbar further mentioned that while progress on the prisoner swap and ceasefire deal has been slow, both sides show unprecedented willingness to reach an agreement.
Additionally, Channel 13 reported that Hamas is requesting the release of a smaller number of hostages than Israel is demanding. Israel, according to the report, is prepared to compromise on several elements of the deal, including the length of the ceasefire, but will not back down on the number of hostages to be freed. Adam Boehler, appointed by Trump as a special envoy for negotiations on hostages, is expected to visit Israel this week to help facilitate the process.
Hamas Demands Release of Fewer Hostages in Ceasefire Deal
Hamas is insisting on the release of a smaller number of hostages than Israel demands, according to a report from Channel 13 News. Israel, however, is open to compromise on several aspects of the proposed deal, such as the duration of the ceasefire, but remains firm on the number of hostages to be freed.
Haaretz reported on Sunday that the final count of hostages to be released as part of the humanitarian phase of the deal is still uncertain. Since the discussions around the potential "humanitarian deal" began, several hostages initially expected to be part of the agreement have been killed while in captivity. Additionally, the health condition of some other hostages, who were not originally slated for release, has reportedly worsened.
Despite these setbacks, sources suggest that both sides may still be able to reach an agreement in the coming weeks.
