Egyptian Sources: Hamas rejects relinquishing control of Gaza in exchange for permanent ceasefire

Two Egyptian security sources told Reuters on Monday that the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and the allied Islamic Jihad Movement rejected an Egyptian proposal to relinquish control of the Gaza Strip in exchange for a permanent ceasefire.

The two movements, engaged in separate talks with Egyptian mediators in Cairo, refused to make any concessions other than the release of more hostages who were kidnapped on October 7 when militants attacked southern Israel, resulting in the death of 1,200 people.

Egypt proposed a "vision," supported by Qatari mediators, that includes a ceasefire in exchange for the release of more hostages, leading to a broader agreement involving a permanent ceasefire and comprehensive reforms of the leadership in Gaza, currently held by Hamas.

The sources stated that Egypt suggested holding elections and provided assurances to Hamas that its members would not be pursued or prosecuted judicially. However, the Islamic movement rejected any concessions other than the release of hostages. It is believed that more than 100 hostages are still held in Gaza.

An official from Hamas recently visited Cairo and refused to directly comment on specific offers regarding more temporary humanitarian truces, reiterating the movement's officially declared position.

The official told Reuters, "Hamas seeks to end the Israeli aggression against our people and end the massacres and genocide. We have talked with our Egyptian brothers about ways to achieve that."

He added, "We also said that aid must increase, continue, and reach all our people in the north and south."

He continued, "After the aggression ends and aid increases, we can discuss a prisoner exchange deal."

The Islamic Jihad Movement, which also holds hostages in Gaza, echoed this position.

A delegation from the Islamic Jihad Movement, led by Secretary-General Ziad al-Nakhala, is visiting Cairo to exchange ideas about prisoner exchange offers and other issues with Egyptian officials. However, an official said that the group has stipulated the end of the Israeli military attack before further negotiations.

The official stated that the Islamic Jihad Movement insists that any exchange operation must be based on the principle of "all for all," meaning the release of all hostages held by Hamas and the Islamic Jihad Movement in Gaza in exchange for the release of all Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.

Before the war, there were 5,250 Palestinians in Israeli prisons, but the number has now risen to about ten thousand, with Israel arresting thousands more in the West Bank and Gaza since October 7, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club Association.

Reuters