Palestinian official to BBC: Disagreements remain over Philadelphi corridor, buffer zone

Talks for a three-stage hostage-ceasefire deal are 90 percent completed but key issues remain, a senior Palestinian official involved in the discussions tells the BBC.

One area of contention is the Philadelphi Corridor along the border with Egypt, the official says, additionally sharing that talks in Doha are considering the potential creation of a buffer zone along Gaza’s border with Israel that would be several kilometers wide, which would have an Israeli “military presence.”

Once these issues are resolved a potential ceasefire could begin within days, the official tells the outlet.

The report says the deal will see 20 Palestinian prisoners released for every female soldier freed in the first stage of the ceasefire, with the names of those prisoners not yet decided on.

The report does not say if any male hostages will be released in the first stage and does not mention either children or the women held in Gaza who are not serving in the military.

The BBC says that Gazan civilians will be permitted to return to the north of the Strip “under a system with Egyptian/Qatari oversight.” No details are given on the form of that oversight. Additionally, around 500 trucks will bring humanitarian aid into Gaza every day.

The BBC says the third stage (no details are given on the second) will see the end of the war, with Gaza to be “overseen by a committee of technocrats from the enclave, who would not have previous political affiliations but would have the backing of all Palestinian factions.”

The report says it is assumed that the released prisoners will not include Marwan Barghouti, who is serving five life sentences in an Israeli prison for his part in planning three terror attacks that killed five Israelis during the Second Intifada.

Barghouti, 65, is often touted as one of the top candidates to succeed octogenarian Mahmoud Abbas as leader of the Palestinian Authority. He is especially favored by the younger generation, who perceive him as untainted by the PA’s corruption and collaboration with Israel.