Palestinian Officials: Gaza Ceasefire and Prisoner Swap Negotiations at Critical Point

Kokcha News Agency reports that Palestinian authorities have indicated that the negotiations concerning a ceasefire and prisoner swap in Gaza are nearing a breakthrough. In an interview with BBC, Palestinian officials provided updates on the latest developments in the indirect talks taking place in Doha, Qatar.

The officials described the talks as being “on the brink of an agreement.” One senior source said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington to meet President Donald Trump has “bought time,” but accused Israel of intentionally delaying the process by delegating negotiations to a team without full decision-making authority.

Current negotiations focus on two main issues: the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the scope of Israeli withdrawal. A Palestinian negotiator involved in at least two rounds of talks mentioned that Hamas views the proposed ceasefire—lasting 60 days and involving the release of 20 hostages and the transfer of bodies—as a starting point for broader reconciliation.

However, a senior Palestinian mediator criticized Israel, stating, “They have never been serious about these talks. They have only used them to buy time and create the illusion of progress.”

Disagreements in Negotiations:
The agreement under discussion involves Hamas handing over half of the 30 dead hostages and releasing 20 of the over 30 captives held. Since last Sunday, Israeli and Hamas teams have conducted eight indirect rounds of talks in Doha, mediated by Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Egyptian intelligence officials.

The U.S. representative, Brett McGurk, also participated and conveyed dozens of verbal and written messages between the two sides, including military, security, and political officials.

While Hamas insists that international organizations and UN agencies distribute humanitarian aid, Israel prefers that aid be managed through the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Aid Foundation (GHF), which is supported by Israel and the U.S.

The negotiations continue amid high stakes, with progress closely monitored by the international community. The outcome remains uncertain as both sides seek to secure their core demands.