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According to Egyptian state-linked media, Hamas is reportedly demanding the release of Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian prisoner, as part of the ongoing discussions for a potential hostage-prisoner exchange deal with Israel.
Al-Qahera News, which is closely associated with Egypt’s intelligence services, reported on Tuesday that negotiations have begun in the resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh to agree on the list of Palestinian inmates Israel might free under a proposed ceasefire arrangement.
Barghouti, a senior Fatah figure who has been imprisoned since 2002, is among several high-profile detainees whose release Hamas is seeking. Other names reportedly included in the discussions are Ahmad Saadat, Hassan Salameh, and Abbas Al-Sayed.
Indirect talks commenced on Monday in Sharm El-Sheikh as part of a 20-point plan advanced by US President Donald Trump aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza.
The plan proposes the release of hostages taken by Hamas and other Palestinian militants during the attacks on October 7, 2023, which sparked the ongoing conflict in the region.
Under the arrangement, Israel is expected to release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, along with more than 1,700 detainees from Gaza captured during the war.
The broader framework of the plan also envisions a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and the disarmament of Hamas.
On Sunday, Hamas indicated its willingness to reach an agreement to end the hostilities in Gaza and to facilitate an immediate exchange of hostages and prisoners with Israel.
