Mediators press Israel to free prominent Palestinian prisoners in ceasefire talks

Gaza ceasefire mediators are pressuring Israel to release high-profile Palestinian detainees as part of the next stages of the agreement, according to a report by Israeli outlet Haaretz.

The report, which cites Palestinian sources familiar with the discussions, suggests that the issue is emerging as a key sticking point in ongoing negotiations.

US national security adviser Jake Sullivan noted earlier that the talks have reached a critical phase, with disputes centring on the lists of captives and prisoners slated for release in the initial stages of the deal. Sullivan described the situation as delicate, with the specifics of who will be freed posing a significant obstacle to finalising the agreement.

Israel has long been criticised for its treatment of Palestinian prisoners, many of whom are held without charge under the controversial practice of administrative detention. Advocates for Palestinian rights argue that the release of these individuals would be a necessary step toward addressing longstanding injustices in the conflict.