Hamas Says It Wants 'Fair Hostage Exchange' in Egypt Talks

More from the article ...

... "At the forefront is a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal" of Israeli troops from Gaza, he added, while AlQahera News reported that Hamas is seeking guarantees that Israeli military action will end.

An agreement should also include the unconditional entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, an assurance that refugees can return and immediate permission to begin reconstruction under a Palestinian committee, Barhoum said.

It wasn't immediately clear if his comments indicate Hamas won't agree to release hostages unless all of the group's conditions are met, a scenario that would reduce the likelihood of a deal being struck imminently. Israeli government spokespeople have yet to comment on the status of the talks. ...

An important thing to note, imo, that the Israeli-Hamas talks in Egypt are not face-to-face with the Israelis and the Hamas.

From what I understand, the scenario is along the lines of ...

Israeli talks to mediators.

Then Hamas talks to mediators.

Then Israelis again talk to the mediators.

Then Hamas again talk to the mediators.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

So, nothing is directly said between Israel and Hamas, but mediators passing messages back and forth.

imo, a good start.

@#4 ... Why doesn't Lewzer just get them in a room and make a deal? Isn't that his thing? It's "his" peace plan and all. ...

Yeah, it is his peace plan.

But, possibly, he has confused the process of "deal" negotiations in NYC real estate with the process of "deal" negotiations in the Middle East?

Time will tell.

@#6 ... in the 1948 war ...

Yeah, tht is the main issue in the Middle East.

The conflicts go back for decades, some might proffer centuries.

History of Conflict in the Middle East
www.studentsofhistory.com

... The Middle East is a region with a fascinating history that goes back to the earliest known civilizations and empires. Its location at the crossroads of continents has made it a battleground for empires, religions, and ideologies. As a sad result of this, conflict has raged in the Middle East for centuries. This has shaped boundaries, politics, culture, and the lives of millions.

The history of conflict in the Middle East traces back to ancient times, marked by the rise and fall of mighty empires like the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans.

These powerful civilizations vied for control over the region. They left behind a legacy of conquest, assimilation, and cultural exchange. The shifting borders of these empires laid the foundation for modern geopolitical rivalries and territorial disputes.

Religion has played a profound role in shaping the landscape of conflict in the Middle East. The rise of Islam in the 7th century brought about a new era of conquest and expansion, as Arab armies swept across the region, establishing vast caliphates, and spreading Islamic civilization. The Sunni-Shia divide, dating back to the early days of Islam, led to further tension and conflict. The two sides (Sunni and Shia) have been at odds in various nations ever since. ...