U.S. officials say that Hamas and Israel have not agreed on how many people each side would set free, nor on who they would be, in the first, six-week phase of a truce.The New York Times reports that the ongoing talks between Israel and Hamas for a cease-fire have hit a roadblock over the issue of a postwar Israeli military presence in Gaza. However, American officials have revealed that another key sticking point has emerged: the release of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinians in Israeli prisons.

As the United States, Egypt, and Qatar work towards finalizing a new cease-fire proposal, it has become clear that the two sides have not reached an agreement on the number and identity of prisoners to be released in the first phase of the truce, which is set to last for six weeks.

During a speech at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, American ambassador to Israel Jack Lew stated that the negotiations are now focusing on more difficult issues that have not been widely discussed in the public. This adds to the complexity of the situation, especially in light of the recent killing of six hostages whose bodies were retrieved by Israeli forces from Gaza over the weekend. The Israeli military has accused Hamas of being responsible for their deaths.

Despite these challenges, a spokesperson for President Biden’s National Security Council, John Kirby, expressed confidence that a deal could still be reached. However, he acknowledged that the situation has become more complicated and that the administration is frustrated with the lack of progress.

President Biden has also weighed in on the issue, signaling that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs to do more to secure the release of the hostages. However, U.S. officials have publicly placed the blame on Hamas for hindering the negotiations. A senior U.S. official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, stated that the recent killings have not only added urgency to the talks but have also raised doubts about Hamas’s willingness to reach a deal.

Meanwhile, protesters gathered outside the Kirya Military compound in Tel Aviv on Sunday, demanding the release of Israeli hostages and honoring the six hostages who were killed in a recent operation in Gaza.

Hamas leaders have accused Israel of causing the impasse by adding new conditions to previously agreed proposals. Documents reviewed by The New York Times last month support this claim, as Prime Minister Netanyahu has insisted on retaining control over Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, a demand that Hamas has deemed unacceptable.

A spokesperson for Hamas did not respond to a request for comment on the issue of prisoner exchange. However, the leader of Hamas’s negotiating team, Khalil al-Hayya, stated in a video message on Thursday that Israel is to blame for the failure to reach an agreement. He demanded that Israel lift the blockade on Gaza and stop its aggression towards Palestinians. 

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