Israel said to let Hamas choose next hostages to be freed, in negotiations on new ceasefire

Egyptian security sources tell Reuters that both Israel and Hamas are open to a new ceasefire agreement that would include the release of hostages held by the Gaza-ruling terror group.

The sources say that Egypt and Qatar demanded that aid shipments be expedited and that Israel reopen the Kerem Shalom crossing with Gaza as conditions for restarting negotiations. The first humanitarian convoy entered Gaza through Kerem Shalom earlier today.

The sources also say that Hamas is insisting on unilaterally deciding the next hostages to be freed and wants Israeli troops to withdraw to pre-set lines. According to the sources, Israel rejected the latter term, and demanded to see the list of hostages before the time and duration of the ceasefire are determined.

“While Israel agreed on Hamas setting the list, the sources said it demanded a timeline and to see the list before setting the time and duration of the ceasefire,” Reuters reports.