Intensive Diplomatic Efforts to End Gaza War: Hamas and Israel Exchange Prisoner Lists Amid Mounting International Pressure

The Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh has witnessed significant developments in the exchange of prisoner lists between Hamas and Israel as part of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Through mediators, both parties have shared lists of prisoners to be released, in line with agreed-upon standards and numbers.

Tahir Al-Nounou, media advisor to Hamas' political office chief, highlighted robust mediator efforts to resolve obstacles impeding the ceasefire’s implementation and described a prevailing spirit of optimism in the negotiations.

Al-Nounou noted that the Hamas delegation has shown responsibility and positivity to achieve the required progress and finalize the agreement. Meanwhile, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Sharm El-Sheikh to join negotiations concerning hostage releases and ending the conflict.

This move followed a US National Security meeting in Washington, during which President Trump emphasized advancing Gaza negotiations. Regional mediators and parties involved convene high-level consultations in Sharm El-Sheikh, after Hamas agreed to release hostages in exchange for freeing Palestinian detainees under a 20-point plan proposed by the US president.

Hamas insists on guarantees for a definitive end to the war, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's support for a plan achieving its strategic goals. International pressure to end the war intensifies as military operations persist in Gaza and a severe humanitarian crisis escalates, leading to tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths and the UN declaring famine in the north.

A UN independent commission has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza in an unprecedented escalation of the humanitarian disaster.