The situation regarding hostage negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian movement Hamas is extremely complex due to the uncompromising positions of both parties, according to a well-informed diplomatic source in Turkey, as reported by RIA Novosti.
The source highlighted that Qatar is actively involved in mediating efforts in this process, with Ankara providing support.
“Hamas demands the release of Palestinians who have been arrested by Israel in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, particularly women and children. Israel has its own principled conditions. It’s very challenging,” the source said.
On November 12, a representative of Hamas in Lebanon, Osama Hamdan, stated that Israel is obstructing the return of civilian hostages from the Gaza Strip.
Tensions in the Middle East escalated after thousands of Hamas militants infiltrated Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip on October 7, when Hamas declared the start of the “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the country was in a state of war.
The objective of Israel’s counter-operation, “Iron Swords,” was to repel the attack, free over 200 hostages, including foreigners, and destroy Hamas. In pursuit of this goal, Israel launched extensive missile strikes on the Gaza Strip from the first day of the operation. Additionally, the Israeli National Security Council decided to halt the supply of water, food, goods, electricity, and fuel to the Gaza Strip. Humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza resumed only after October 20 through the Rafah Crossing, although the volume of aid is considered insufficient.
Previously, Prime Minister Netanyahu outlined Israel’s objectives in the war against Hamas.
