A senior Hamas official in Gaza confirmed to Israel Hayom that significant indirect talks were taking place with Israel through Egyptian intermediaries over a prisoner exchange, although the sides were currently split on the nature of a potential deal.
Israel vehemently opposes a two-staged deal, as Hamas has already proposed, the official said.
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Instead, Israel wants one comprehensive deal that secures the return of fallen IDF soldiers Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, and information about two Israeli citizens – Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed – who voluntarily crossed into Gaza and are being held there.
To facilitate the deal, Israel is offering Hamas help in coping with the coronavirus and advancing economic projects in Gaza with support from Qatar and the United Nations.
The senior Hamas official also noted a split within the terrorist organization between its leadership in Gaza and its political bureau abroad, which is taking a harder line, demanding an Israeli commitment to release all prisoners on a list given by Hamas.
However, the official stated, the leadership on the ground in Gaza was more powerful and influential, and therefore talks are likely to continue.
According to the official, although Swiss and German officials have expressed a desire to mediate between the sides, only Egypt will serve as the intermediary. Israel is unwilling to pay an exorbitant price similar to the Gilad Schalit deal in 2013, while Hamas reportedly expects a deal similar returns.
