Media: Israel and Hamas have resolved their differences regarding the exchange of hostages.

According to the Al Arabiya channel, during negotiations in Qatar, the parties finalized amendments, postponing Hamas's demands for the release of its senior members to the second stage of the deal.

The Israeli security cabinet will convene on Friday, January 17, to approve the agreements.

U.S. representatives reported on Thursday evening that there were disagreements between Israel and Hamas regarding several prisoners that the Palestinian side demanded to exchange for hostages.

The first stage of the deal will begin on January 19, when three hostages will be released.

It was announced on January 15 that Israel and Hamas representatives reached an agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and a hostage exchange. On January 16, Israel accused the Palestinians of attempting to disrupt the agreements. Hamas stated that the group adheres to the agreed document.

Under the terms of the deal, in the first stage, the Israel Defense Forces will start withdrawing troops from Gaza, while Hamas will release 33 hostages taken by jihadists on October 7, 2023.

In the second stage, the parties agreed to fully cease fire and release the remaining hostages in exchange for approximately one thousand Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

In the third stage, the parties are to exchange the bodies of the deceased. It is also planned to begin reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip under the supervision of Egypt, Qatar, and the UN.

• The current hostilities in Hamas-controlled Gaza began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and around 250 being taken hostage. Some of them were released during exchanges. Currently, Israeli intelligence estimates that 99 hostages remain in Hamas custody, some of whom are deceased.
• In response to the October 7 attack, Israel launched a large-scale military operation, during which, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Ministry of Health, over 45,000 residents of the sector were killed. Several senior Hamas leaders were also killed, and part of its military infrastructure was destroyed.

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