Hamas agree to mediators’ request to raise number of captives

Saudi news channel Al-Arabiya is quoting sources as saying that the US will press Israel to accept a new proposal for the ceasefire in Gaza.

It also reported that Hamas has agreed to increase the number of Israeli captives, which will be included in a deal that is expected to be carried out in two phases, and that the group will provide information on the condition of each captive prior to the implementation of the deal.

A meeting is currently being held in Cairo between Hamas and an Egyptian and Qatari delegation to discuss the ceasefire deal, which was broken by Israel in March. Israel demands to have 11 living captives released, where as Hamas insists that Israel commits to ending the war, rejecting any partial deal that allows the resumption of military attacks against Palestinians.

On Sunday, Palestinian sources familiar with the talks involving the Hamas delegation currently in Cairo told Haaretz that Egypt and Qatar are working with the United States to ensure that the implementation of another phase of the truce will be accompanied by continued talks to end the war.

According to sources, Egypt has proposed that Hamas disarm its weapons under Egyptian supervision to provide security guarantees to Israel after implementing the agreement. However, Hamas has not publicly confirmed receiving such a proposal.