Hostage Exchange Delayed in Israel-Hamas War: Negotiations Underway

Hostage Exchange Delayed in Israel-Hamas War, Negotiations Underway

In the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the exchange of hostages has experienced delays, leading to negotiations to resolve the issue. According to CNN, President Joe Biden had a conversation with Qatari leaders in an effort to address the delay in the hostage exchange. The delay occurred on the second day of the hostage release, prompting US officials to reach out to Israeli, Qatari, and Egyptian authorities for assistance.

The White House has been informed that the delay has been resolved, and the Red Cross is actively working to rescue the hostages who were scheduled to be released today. Qatar has announced that once the disputes over conditions are resolved, the hostage release will resume. Qatar and Egypt have engaged in mediation to overcome the obstacles causing the delay, with both sides communicating and working towards a resolution.

Meanwhile, Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan expressed concerns over the delay, accusing Israel of manipulating the names and criteria for the release of female and child prisoners. The military wing of Hamas, Al-Qassam Brigades, also announced that the handover of hostages has been delayed on the second day of the ceasefire.

Efforts to Resolve the Delay

According to sources, Qatar is actively working alongside the United States and Egypt to resolve the delay in the hostage exchange. Discussions are ongoing between Israel, Hamas, and Qatari authorities to expedite the resolution of the delay issue. The US administration is also collaborating with Qatar, Egypt, and Israel to ensure the implementation of the agreed-upon terms.

Disputes Over Aid and Prisoner Release

Hamas has delayed the hostage handover due to disputes over the scale of humanitarian aid delivery and the selection of released Palestinian prisoners. Diplomatic sources confirm that the handover process by Hamas has not yet commenced. Israeli and US officials attribute the delay to disagreements over the size of the humanitarian aid trucks entering Gaza.

Confirmation of Detention and Expected Releases

Israeli authorities have confirmed that Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, the director of Al-Shifa Hospital, is still being detained. They perceive his detention as a “good idea” and describe the hospital as a “bed of terrorism.” The World Health Organization has called for the respect of Dr. Abu Salmiya’s legal and human rights, along with the three other detained medical personnel.

Despite the delays, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hertz, spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces, confirms that Hamas is expected to release 13 hostages. However, he acknowledges the possibility of changes to the plan. Hertz also confirms that in exchange for the hostages, 39 Palestinian prisoners will be released. He emphasizes that the operation will continue until Hamas is dismantled and all Israeli citizens return safely.

For more information, please refer to the original article from CNN.