Hamas has not yet submitted a list of living hostages held by terror groups in Gaza as part of ongoing ceasefire negotiations, according to a report by Channel 12 citing Israeli officials. Despite the delay, Israeli authorities believe progress is being made in the talks.

On Friday, leaders from Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine convened in Cairo to discuss the terms of a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal. Hamas said after the meeting that reaching an agreement was “closer than ever” if Israel refrains from introducing new conditions.

A major sticking point remains the nature of the ceasefire. Hamas is demanding a permanent halt to hostilities, while Israel seeks only a temporary pause to facilitate hostage releases before resuming operations to dismantle Hamas’s military infrastructure.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doubled down on his opposition to a permanent ceasefire in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, reiterating, “I’m not going to agree to end the war before we remove Hamas.”

In related developments, Netanyahu’s office dismissed reports suggesting Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti might be released as part of a deal. “Barghouti will not be released,” the statement said, following reports of his family’s visit to Qatar for negotiations.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)