Jailed Fatah leader Marawan Barghouti (pictured) is escorted by Israeli prison guards after a hearing at the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court on 25 January 2012. Photo: Ammar Awad Reuters
Israel has rejected the possibility of releasing Marawan Barghouti as part of a prisoner swap, which has become a significant obstacle in the negotiations on a truce and hostage deal, Egyptian sources said. Progress in the talks between Israel and Hamas, which are expected to be close to a deal, has been delayed due to conditions imposed by Israel, in particular regarding control over the Philadelphia Corridor, The Jerusalem Post reports.
Obstacles to the deal
According to sources, Israel is trying to maintain control over the Philadelphia Corridor, which is important to prevent future rearmament of Hamas. In addition, Israel refused to release Marawan Barghouti, the leader of Fatah, as part of the exchange. This issue has become particularly important to Hamas after it demanded the release of Barghouti back in August to ensure that it maintains its influence in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli reaction and Hamas demands
Israel, while not denying the possibility of Barghouti’s release, advocates that he be released in the Gaza Strip, not the West Bank. At the same time, as part of a future exchange, Israel insists on the release of prisoners outside the Palestinian territories. This complicates the deal, as Hamas, according to sources, must accept these conditions.
Forecasts for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange
Despite the difficulties, sources report that there is a high probability of reaching an agreement on the exchange of prisoners, including a peaceful pause in hostilities for 6-8 weeks. This is expected to be followed by an agreement on the exchange of prisoners of war and bodies, as well as the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The role of the United States in the negotiations
Egyptian sources believe that the United States will be able to speed up the negotiations and help remove obstacles related to Israeli conditions. According to Hamas representatives, if US President Donald Trump successfully intervenes, an agreement could be reached by the end of the year, before his inauguration.
