Report: Hamas insists on retaining power in Gaza as condition for Hostage Deal, Egyptian source reveals

The source stressed that Hamas is unlikely to accept any deal that doesn’t include both an exit strategy for the war and a future role for the group in governing Gaza. This reflects the group's broader strategic goals as it navigates the complex political and military landscape.

The report also highlights Egypt’s position that Israel must genuinely seek an end to the conflict for negotiations to succeed. While talks have been intensifying, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's threats against Hamas are reportedly having little impact, with the organization feeling it has little left to lose following extensive Israeli strikes against it.

As negotiations continue amid the final weeks of U.S. President Joe Biden's term, Israel remains resistant to any deal that would allow Hamas to play a role in Gaza's future governance. The destruction of Hamas's governing structures is one of Israel's primary objectives in the ongoing conflict.

In a related development, a senior Hamas official reportedly told Reuters that the group had submitted a list of 34 hostages for potential release by Israel. However, the Prime Minister's Office in Israel has denied this, stating that Hamas has not yet provided a definitive list of hostages. This issue, along with the cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, remains a significant point of contention in the ongoing negotiations.