No progress in cease-fire in Gaza, prisoners swap with Hamas: Israeli official

By Anadolu staff

JERUSALEM (AA) - No progress has been made in indirect talks with Hamas for a cease-fire in Gaza or a prisoners swap deal, an Israeli official said Wednesday.

"In the meantime, there is no breakthrough in the negotiations with Hamas," Israeli public broadcaster KAN quoted an Israeli official as saying without mentioning his name.

The official added that the Hamas group is not flexible and is escalating its demands, but noted that talks are ongoing.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday spoke of an Israeli initiative to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas but did not provide details.

Western media reports said earlier that Hamas had rejected an Israeli offer for a two-month pause in fighting in return for a staged release of hostages.

Hamas is believed to be holding nearly 136 Israelis following its cross-border attack on Oct. 7.

Israel has since launched a deadly offensive against the Gaza Strip, killing at least 25,700 Palestinians and injuring 63,740 others. Nearly 1,200 Israelis are believed to have been killed in the Hamas attack.

Mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the US have so far failed to secure the release of another group of hostages as Hamas demands an end to Israel’s deadly offensive against Gaza.

A deal in November saw the release of 81 Israelis and 24 foreigners in exchange for 240 Palestinians, including 71 women and 169 children.

* Writing by Ahmed Asmar