Hamas and Israel exchange prisoner lists amid ceasefire talks

Representatives of Israel and Hamas exchanged lists of prisoners and detainees during negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh, the Palestinian group’s press office said.

Hamas reported that the talks focused on a possible ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and a prisoner exchange.

“Mediators are making great efforts to remove obstacles to implementing the ceasefire. The talks are taking place in a spirit of optimism,” the statement said.

Iran’s IRNA agency also confirmed progress, citing an informed source who said the sides were discussing a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza City, Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah, to be followed by pullbacks from other parts of the enclave.

The main obstacle to a final agreement remains the ongoing fighting between the sides.