Hamas Demands Release of High-Profile Prisoners in Peace Talks
During ongoing peace negotiations, Hamas has raised a significant demand for the release of several high-profile militants who are currently serving long prison sentences. These individuals include senior Hamas commanders, according to Israeli security sources. The group’s insistence on this matter is seen as a critical issue that could determine the success or failure of the talks.
The list of names includes four prominent figures: Marwan Barghouti, Ahmad Sa’adat, Hassan Salameh, and Abbas al-Sayed. Each of these individuals has been sentenced for their involvement in attacks that have resulted in numerous casualties.
Marwan Barghouti, a senior Fatah leader, was arrested by Israel in 2002 and received five life sentences for his role in attacks attributed to the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. Ahmad Sa’adat, the former general secretary of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, was given a 30-year sentence for organizing the 2001 assassination of Israeli Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze’evi. Hassan Salameh, a senior Hamas commander, was sentenced to 46 life terms for orchestrating bus bombings in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv during the 1990s, which killed dozens of Israelis. Abbas al-Sayed, a Hamas leader from Tulkarem, received 35 consecutive life terms for masterminding the 2002 Park Hotel bombing in Netanya, which claimed 39 lives and injured over 140 others.
Why Does Hamas Want Their Release?
Hamas has repeatedly requested the release of these four individuals during previous negotiations with Israel, but their demands have consistently been rejected. Each of these figures holds significant value for the armed group. Sa’adat, as the leader of PFLP, is viewed as a symbol of Palestinian resistance within Israeli prisons. Hamas regards Salameh as a national hero and a symbol of loyalty to veteran fighters. The request for al-Sayed’s release highlights Hamas’ intent to seek the return of those involved in mass-casualty attacks.
According to reliable sources in Palestine, Marwan Barghouti is considered the most important individual on the list for Hamas. The group sees him as a valuable ally against Israel, and his release is believed to be crucial for its long-term influence in Palestinian politics, despite one of the main points of the peace deal being the removal of Hamas from power.
Israeli security sources have stated that the demand to release these four individuals is a “red line” that the negotiating team will not cross. They warned that demanding the release of these “terrorists” would lead to more war and the complete destruction of Gaza. Hamas has made it clear that the release of these life-sentenced prisoners is a central condition for the release of the hostages it still holds, emphasizing their importance in the group’s negotiation strategy.
Indirect Talks in Egypt
The Israeli government has not commented publicly on Hamas’ demands while the negotiations in Egypt are ongoing. However, government sources have expressed cautious optimism about the talks, despite concerns that Hamas might attempt to manipulate the process. They reiterated that the immediate release of all 48 hostages, as agreed in President Trump’s plan, is non-negotiable.
Prof. Nathan Brown, an expert in Middle Eastern politics at George Washington University, noted that it is unlikely all parties have fully agreed to the Trump plan. He pointed out that the United States and other actors are acting as if all key parties have accepted the plan, but this is not the case. Netanyahu made it clear that he rejected the idea of a Palestinian state, which was a key provision for Arab states. Brown also mentioned that Hamas has only agreed to ceasefire provisions, with the rest of the details still under discussion.
Hamas has agreed to release all remaining Israeli hostages but requires further discussions on several key points outlined in the US peace plan. Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official and leader of the negotiating team in Egypt, emphasized the need for “real guarantees” of a lasting ceasefire as part of any deal to return the remaining 48 hostages. The White House map outlines three stages of Israeli troop withdrawal, but it does not align with Israel’s military maps or provide a clear timeline for future withdrawals.
Hamas appears to be more focused on the extent and timeline of Israel’s withdrawal rather than the release of prisoners. According to sources, they may be willing to compromise on prisoner releases, as they have done in past negotiations. However, the group is also concerned about the future of its members and associates if the Trump plan is implemented.
In an interview with Euronews, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that “Hamas’ rule has to come to an end.” He expressed hope that Hamas would agree to the peace deal but emphasized that he cannot guarantee it. Netanyahu also indicated that if the deal fails, the US would back Israel completely in taking action against Hamas.
