Hamas Demands Release of High-Profile Prisoners in Peace Talks
During ongoing peace talks, Hamas has made a significant demand to Israel: the release of several high-profile militants who are currently serving long prison sentences. According to Israeli security sources, this demand is considered a “red line” that Israel will not cross. The group’s insistence on these names could lead to further conflict and the collapse of any potential agreement.
The list includes four prominent figures:
- Marwan Barghouti – A senior Fatah leader arrested by Israel in 2002 and sentenced to five life terms for his involvement in attacks carried out by the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades.
- Ahmad Sa’adat – Former general secretary of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, who was sentenced to 30 years for organizing the 2001 assassination of Israeli Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze’evi.
- Hassan Salameh – A senior Hamas commander who received 46 life terms for orchestrating bus bombings in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv during the 1990s, which resulted in numerous Israeli casualties.
- Abbas al-Sayed – A Hamas leader from Tulkarem, sentenced to 35 consecutive life terms for masterminding the 2002 Park Hotel bombing in Netanya, which killed 39 Israelis and injured over 140 others.
Why Does Hamas Want Their Release?
Hamas has consistently included these four individuals in its demands during previous negotiations with Israel, but each time, their requests have been denied. These figures hold strategic importance for the armed group. For example, Ahmad Sa’adat is seen as a symbol of Palestinian resistance, while Hassan Salameh is revered as a national hero among Hamas supporters. The inclusion of Abbas al-Sayed on the list highlights Hamas’ willingness to seek the release of individuals involved in mass-casualty attacks.
According to reliable sources in Palestine, Marwan Barghouti is the most critical figure on the list for Hamas. The group views him as a valuable ally in its struggle against Israel and believes his release would significantly enhance its influence in Palestinian politics. This is especially notable given that one of the main goals of the peace deal is to remove Hamas from power.
Indirect Talks in Egypt
The Israeli government has remained silent on Hamas’ demands during the ongoing negotiations in Egypt. However, government sources have expressed cautious optimism about the talks, despite concerns that Hamas might attempt to manipulate the process. They emphasized that the immediate release of all 48 hostages, as outlined in President Trump’s plan, is non-negotiable.
However, experts like Prof. Nathan Brown from George Washington University suggest that the situation is more complex. He noted that it is unlikely all parties have fully agreed to the Trump plan. “The United States and other actors are behaving as if all key parties have agreed to the Trump plan. That simply is not the case,” he said. Netanyahu reportedly rejected a Palestinian state, which was a crucial element for Arab states.
Brown also highlighted that Hamas has only agreed to ceasefire provisions, with the rest of the details still under discussion. “It is only at this point that the serious negotiations are beginning and the parties are still far apart,” he added.
Hamas’ Conditions for Hostage Release
Hamas has stated that it is ready to release the remaining Israeli hostages but insists on further discussions on several key points outlined in the US peace plan. Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official and leader of the negotiating team in Egypt, emphasized that the group requires “real guarantees” of a lasting ceasefire before returning the 48 hostages still held in Gaza.
The White House map outlines three stages of Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, but it does not align with Israel’s military maps or provide a clear timeline for future withdrawals. This discrepancy raises concerns about the feasibility of the proposed plan.
Concerns About the Future of Hamas
Hamas is reportedly concerned about the future of its members and associates if the Trump plan is implemented. In an interview with Euronews, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that “Hamas’ rule has to come to an end.” He also mentioned that if Hamas does not agree to the peace deal, the US will support Israel in taking strong action against the group.
“Let’s hope that we can finish it the easy way and not the hard way,” Netanyahu said. While he expressed hope for a peaceful resolution, he made it clear that Israel remains committed to its own interests and will not allow any provisions that limit its ability to act unilaterally in Gaza.
