Deputy Hamas leader Zahar Jabarin said his organization presented Egyptian mediators with proposals for a prisoner swap with Israel, Lebanon's Al Akhbar newspaper reported on Tuesday.
The government said that the return to Israel of the remains Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, both killed in the 2014 Gaza war and the release of two Israeli civilians held by Hamas – were a precondition for any long lasting cease fire agreement along the Gaza border and the rebuilding of Gaza after the 11 days of fighting last May.
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Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul (top) killed in the 2014 Gaza war and Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed believed held by Hamas in Gaza
(Photo: Courtesy)
In the first of two options reported by Al Akhbar, Hamas proposed a comprehensive deal that would include the release of all prisoners who were released in the deal to secure the release of Gilad Shalit in 2011, who were subsequently arrested again.
Shalit was held by Hamas in Gaza for five years. Among the prisoners were some convicted of murderer.
In addition, Hamas demanded the release of all women and children incarcerated by Israel and of prisoners suffering from poor health.
According to the proposal, Hamas will then release the bodies of two Israeli soldiers killed in the 2014 Gaza war and the two civilians held in Gaza.
The second proposal, that was reported by the Lebanese publication, was for a two-staged deal that would first see the release of women and children from jail, as well as the prisoners who were arrested after their release in the Shalit swap, Hamas would then provide information regarding Israelis dead or alive in its possession.
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Palestinian released from Israeli prisons return to Gaza as part of deal to free GIlad Shalit in 2011
(Photo: Reuters)
Only after the release of thousands of Palestinian terrorists among them those described as having blood on their hands, will the Israelis be returned.
Israeli sources told Ynet in recent days, that there was no breakthrough in negotiations to secure the return of Israelis held by Hamas.
According to Senior Israeli officials, Jerusalem opposes any release of Hamas prisoners with blood on their hands.
Prime Minister Nafatli Bennett's discussed Israel's demand for the return of the soldiers and civilians in a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi last week.
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Prime Minister Naftali Bennett with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi last week
(Photo: GPO)
Participants in the talks included the Israel's coordinator for prisoners and MIA's along with National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata. Egypt's head of Intelligence Abbas Kamel, who acts as mediator between the Israeli government and the Hamas terror group, was also present.