Hamas has demanded a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza as a non-negotiable condition for releasing remaining hostages, according to a senior group source involved in ongoing indirect negotiations mediated by Egypt. The development comes as delegations from both sides convene in Sharm El Sheikh this week to discuss terms for ending the seven-month conflict.
"The release of the last hostage must coincide with the final Israeli pullout from Palestinian territories," the Hamas delegation stated during talks, emphasizing their insistence on linking prisoner exchanges to a clear withdrawal timeline. Khalil al-Hayya, leading Hamas's negotiating team, told Egypt's Al Qahera News TV that the group arrived with "explicit goals" for an immediate permanent ceasefire and comprehensive prisoner swap.
While Israel has yet to publicly respond to the latest demands, regional analysts note the proposal marks Hamas's most detailed framework since indirect talks resumed in March. Egyptian mediators are reportedly working to bridge gaps between Hamas's call for complete Israeli disengagement and Israel's stated security requirements.
The negotiations unfold amid renewed international pressure for humanitarian relief in Gaza, where UN agencies report over 1.5 million displaced residents face critical food and medical shortages. A successful deal could potentially unlock stalled reconstruction aid and ease regional tensions that have disrupted Red Sea shipping routes vital to Asian-European trade.
