Mediated talks between Israel and Hamas on the release of hostages stalled

tel aviv (Uttam Hindu News): Mediation talks between Israel and Hamas initiated by Qatar and Egypt have come to a halt. Both the warring sides have refused to agree to the demands put forward by each other.

Talks have made no progress after Mossad chief David Barnia met with CIA Director William Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Warsaw on Monday.

Israeli government sources told IANS that the terrorist group has set a condition that the Jewish state’s forces return to a predetermined border.

In a statement on Sunday, Hamas said it would not agree to release any hostages unless Israeli forces end their ongoing ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, a condition that Israel has met. The defense forces did not agree.

According to the source, Israel is open to the idea of ​​choosing hostages to be released from captivity by Hamas.

During the ceasefire in Gaza from 24 November to 1 December, Israel chose to release its hostages.

Government sources told IANS that further mediation talks would begin only when the differences put forward by both sides are properly addressed, which both Qatar and Egypt are trying to overcome.

During the ceasefire, 86 Israeli and 24 foreign civilian hostages were released.

Israeli officials estimate that about 129 people are being held captive in Gaza, including foreign nationals.