Media: Hamas demands tank withdrawal ahead of Egypt talks

Ahead of indirect talks in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, a Palestinian source told Al Hadath that Hamas is insisting on the withdrawal of Israeli tanks from populated areas to enable communication with factions holding Israeli hostages, both alive and deceased.

During the talks, Hamas is also expected to push for the daily entry of 400 trucks of humanitarian aid and for easier movement for residents of Gaza between its northern and southern regions.

In exchange for the hostages, Hamas is demanding the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including six high-profile detainees: Marwan Barghouti, Ahmad Sa’adat, Hasan Salameh Abdallah, Ibrahim Hamed, Abdallah Barghouti, and Abbas al-Said.

The source added that Hamas’s chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, has arrived in Egypt leading the movement’s delegation. The discussions will focus on mechanisms for a ceasefire, Israeli troop withdrawal, and a potential prisoner exchange.

The Israeli delegation has also arrived in Sharm El-Sheikh, including the coordinator of prisoner affairs, Ghal Hirsch, senior officials from Shin Bet and Mossad, and several specialised teams.

US President Donald Trump has said the process is “moving quickly” and expressed optimism that a ceasefire and the first stage of a 20-point plan could soon be implemented. The US proposal envisages a ceasefire and prisoner releases within 72 hours – potentially extendable – along with a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and Hamas disarmament.

Hamas, however, has so far not addressed disarmament in its response, reiterating its commitment to participate in talks on Gaza’s future and calling for a “full Israeli withdrawal.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev