In the latest development, reports from Israeli media indicate that Hamas is seeking the release of three prominent Palestinian leaders as part of any potential hostage exchange agreement with Israel.
Hamas has explicitly called for the release of Marwan Barghouti, Ahmed Saadat, and Abdullah Barghouti in any new deal, as reported by Yedioth Ahronoth.
Marwan Barghouti, a 64-year-old member of Fatah’s Central Committee, is a frontrunner to lead the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority, according to Palestinian opinion polls. Despite being imprisoned by Israel in 2002 and serving five life sentences, Barghouti continues to command significant support and influence events in the occupied West Bank.
Ahmed Saadat, the secretary-general of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), was arrested in 2008 and is currently serving a 30-year sentence for his alleged involvement in the killing of Israeli Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze’evi in 2001.
Abdullah Barghouti, a top Hamas leader, is serving multiple life sentences for alleged attacks on Israelis.
It’s noteworthy that in a previous exchange deal in 2011, Israel declined to include these three leaders. The 2011 deal resulted in the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in exchange for over 1,000 Palestinian detainees.
As the news unfolds, there has been no immediate response from the Israeli government regarding these recent reports.
Hamas’ political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, arrived in Cairo on Wednesday amid Egyptian mediation efforts for a potential new hostage swap deal with Israel. However, the Al-Qassam Brigade spokesperson, Abu Obeidah, stated that the movement refuses to engage in any talks related to a prisoner exchange until Israel ceases its actions in the besieged Gaza Strip.
During a humanitarian pause in Gaza from November 24–30, Hamas released 81 Israelis and 24 foreigners in exchange for 240 Palestinians, including 71 women and 169 children. Currently, almost 130 Israelis are reported to be held as prisoners of war in Gaza.
