Hamas Demands Inclusion of Key Prisoners in Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations with Israel

Sun Oct 12 2025 16:44:01 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a critical turning point in negotiations, Hamas insists on the release of prominent Palestinian prisoners, including Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Saadat, as part of a broader ceasefire agreement with Israel aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Amidst ongoing ceasefire negotiations, Hamas is pushing for the inclusion of high-profile Palestinian prisoners in a deal expected to lead to the release of hostages and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Key figures such as Marwan Barghouti, viewed as a symbol of resistance among Palestinians, have been specifically mentioned, raising concerns over the potential impact on the already tenuous ceasefire.

Hamas is pressing Israel to include prominent Palestinians in a prisoner-release list as part of a ceasefire deal that will also see hostages returned from Gaza.

Hamas's insistence follows the Israeli justice ministry's announcement of 250 prisoners to be freed but omitting seven high-profile prisoners, including Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Saadat, both seen as symbols of Palestinian resistance.

Twenty Israeli hostages are expected to be released before noon on Monday, in a deal advocated by US President Donald Trump.

A senior Palestinian official revealed that US envoy Steve Witkoff would discuss the exclusion of these key figures with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although Israel remains firm in its refusal. The potential implications of this demand on the timeline for hostages and prisoner releases remain uncertain.

The initial phase of Trump's ceasefire and hostage return deal has already commenced, allowing hundreds of aid trucks to enter Gaza. However, complications may arise as Hamas continues to advocate for the release of specific prisoners and additional demands relating to previous exchanges for hostages.

Barghouti, convicted of orchestrating attacks that killed Israeli civilians, remains a popular figure. Opinion polls indicate that he would lead in a presidential election against current Palestinian leaders, underscoring his significance in ongoing negotiations.

With families in Israel preparing for the eventual return of hostages, the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates, necessitating increased aid and support for the affected populations.