Qatar and Egypt’s Efforts Overcome Obstacles in Gaza Agreement, Prisoner Exchange Likely on Saturday

Watan-The sixth prisoner exchange is likely to take place tomorrow, Saturday, as part of the completion of the first phase of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between the Palestinian resistance and the occupying state in the Gaza Strip.

This comes after mediator sources (Qatar and Egypt) confirmed that obstacles to implementing the ceasefire agreement had been removed, with Hamas stating that it is not interested in the agreement collapsing.

This development comes as the office of the Israeli Prime Minister continues to deny any agreements with Hamas regarding the continued implementation of the deal. However, Israel’s public broadcaster reported that such understandings have indeed been reached.

Israel Prepares for Gaza Prisoner Release as Supplies Enter via Rafah

The broadcaster also reported that Israel is preparing today, Friday, to receive the names of three detainees in Gaza who are set to be released on Saturday, despite Netanyahu’s office denying the agreement.

Hamas official Taher Al-Nounou stated in an interview with Al Jazeera yesterday evening that the movement had made it clear to the mediators that Israel must fulfill its commitments, particularly regarding the entry of mobile homes, tents, fuel, and the necessary equipment to remove rubble.

Sources told Al Jazeera that these supplies were supposed to enter Gaza yesterday, but the Israeli broadcaster estimated that the entry of mobile homes and reconstruction equipment may not happen before next week.

According to sources, Egyptian and Qatari mediators managed yesterday to remove the obstacles by securing Israel’s approval for the entry of mobile homes (caravans), tents, and large quantities of food and fuel into Gaza.

Trucks carrying mobile homes and additional shelter tents arrived on the Egyptian side near the Rafah crossing, preparing to enter via the Kerem Shalom crossing. However, the entry of heavy equipment stationed at the Rafah crossing was postponed pending approval.

Hamas, Egypt, and Qatar Hold Talks Amid Tensions Over Ceasefire Implementation

Negotiations between Hamas, led by Khalil Al-Hayya, and mediators from Egypt and Qatar took place on Wednesday and Thursday in Cairo, focusing on ensuring Israel fully adheres to the ceasefire agreement’s humanitarian protocol. Mediators expressed frustration over Israel’s handling of the agreement and warned that mishandling could derail progress.

Meanwhile, in Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu held at least seven hours of security consultations yesterday at the Southern Command headquarters, attended by senior political and military officials, including the negotiating team.

Hamas, through Taher Al-Nounou, has called for the start of negotiations on the second phase of the agreement.

Israel is pushing for the release of six additional detainees, citing their deteriorating health conditions, while Israeli media reported that six detainees could be released next week.

This comes amid a serious escalation by the Israeli military, which launched an airstrike on Al-Bureij refugee camp in the devastated central Gaza Strip. The attack followed Israeli claims that a rocket fired from Gaza was intended for Israel but fell within Gaza itself.

In this context, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich renewed his call for the complete destruction of Gaza, stating that even if it takes time, it must be done. He claimed that the rocket launch was a test for Netanyahu.

Gaza Faces Humanitarian Crisis Amid Ceasefire Violations

Meanwhile, Gaza is experiencing severe humanitarian conditions. The International Committee of the Red Cross has urged both Hamas and Israel to adhere to the ceasefire, emphasizing that it is essential for “preserving lives and human dignity.”

The Ministry of Health has announced the continued shortage of medicines and medical equipment.

Once again, the Israeli army has fired heavily on several eastern areas of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Gunfire was also heard near the eastern and northern borders of northern Gaza towns.

In Rafah, Israeli forces stationed along the “Philadelphi Corridor,” which separates the city from Egyptian territory, fired bursts of bullets into the depths of the city, marking a significant breach of the ceasefire agreement.