عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

Hamas Sources to Asharq Al-Awsat: Hostage Release Tied to Israeli Compliance

Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the Oct.7, 2023 attacks, block Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv during a protest calling for the release of all hostages, on February 13, 2025. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)
Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the Oct.7, 2023 attacks, block Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv during a protest calling for the release of all hostages, on February 13, 2025. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)
TT
TT

Hamas Sources to Asharq Al-Awsat: Hostage Release Tied to Israeli Compliance

Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the Oct.7, 2023 attacks, block Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv during a protest calling for the release of all hostages, on February 13, 2025. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)
Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the Oct.7, 2023 attacks, block Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv during a protest calling for the release of all hostages, on February 13, 2025. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)

Hamas sources in Gaza told Asharq Al-Awsat on Wednesday that mediators have offered guarantees to ensure Israel’s commitment to a ceasefire and to start real talks for the next phase.

The sources said the situation is “encouraging,” adding that if Israel follows through on the agreement, the release of hostages will happen as planned without problems.

Egypt and Qatar, with support from Türkiye and other allies, continue efforts to prevent the collapse of the fragile truce in Gaza. Tensions have risen following threats from both Israel and Hamas over each side's failure to fully implement the ceasefire agreement, which took effect on January 19.

Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that US envoy Steven Witkoff is expected in Tel Aviv, with Israel ready to move forward on the prisoner deal if hostages are released by Saturday.

Hamas has accused Israel of not meeting the terms of the first phase, especially the humanitarian protocol, which includes providing tents, mobile homes, medical supplies, and heavy equipment.

This led Hamas to suspend the release of three Israeli hostages, which was scheduled for Saturday. In response, Israel’s security cabinet warned that it would resume military operations if the hostages are not released by noon on Saturday.

As tensions grew, talks were held between Qatar’s mediator and Hamas leaders in Doha, followed by a delegation from Hamas traveling to Egypt. The team, led by Khalil Al-Hayya from Gaza, arrived in Cairo to discuss the dispute over non-compliance with the agreement, especially by Israel.

In a statement, Hamas confirmed that Al-Hayya's team has started meetings with Egyptian officials to monitor the ceasefire and the prisoner exchange.

Hamas sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the meetings focused on proposals to ensure the ceasefire continues and the agreement is fully implemented.

Egyptian and Qatari mediators assured Hamas that the agreement would be upheld and pushed for it to move forward, including the gradual entry of mobile homes and equipment, before the planned release of the three Israeli hostages on Saturday.

Hamas sources stressed that the release of the hostages depends on Israel following the agreement, especially the humanitarian provisions. The sources expect full implementation to begin Thursday, and if Israel complies, the hostages will be released on time.

Most Viewed

 
 
Arab World

Israel Steps up Assassinations in Gaza

Smoke rises from a displacement camp in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza after an Israeli strike on Wednesday (AFP)
Smoke rises from a displacement camp in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza after an Israeli strike on Wednesday (AFP)
TT
TT

Israel Steps up Assassinations in Gaza

Smoke rises from a displacement camp in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza after an Israeli strike on Wednesday (AFP)
Smoke rises from a displacement camp in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza after an Israeli strike on Wednesday (AFP)

A relative lull hangs over efforts to shape Gaza’s future, as global and regional attention shifts to the US-Israeli war against Iran.

Still, Israel has continued targeting commanders from Hamas’ armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, using intelligence from collaborators and surveillance devices. One such device was recently uncovered in a displacement camp in central Gaza and self-destructed during inspection.

Israel killed Ahmed Darwish, an elite commander in the Central Brigade of the Qassam Brigades, along with his aide Nader al-Nabahin, while a third man was critically wounded. An Israeli drone struck them shortly before midnight on Tuesday into Wednesday near a football field south of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.

Field sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Darwish had survived several assassination attempts during the war. One source said he led an elite unit in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack and captured several Israelis.

Sources said Darwish had recently emerged as a key figure in the Central Brigade after senior commanders were killed, and had been working with others to rebuild the Qassam Brigades.

The Israeli military said it struck Hamas elite operatives during what it described as military training in central Gaza, calling them a threat. Hamas field sources denied this, saying they were gathered normally when they were hit.

Mysterious blast of a surveillance device

A blast struck near a displacement camp in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza before noon on Wednesday, causing no injuries and initially thought to be a drone strike.

Field sources said fighters had found an Israeli surveillance device and tried to dismantle it to access images and recordings. It then self-destructed, possibly due to a malfunction or remote detonation by an Israeli drone.

Hours later, a warplane hit the same site, killing one person and wounding six others, one critically.

Sources said armed factions in Gaza have found several such devices before and during the war, used to transmit live images to drones and Israeli operations rooms.

Israel has stepped up intelligence and operational activity in central Gaza, areas less damaged during the war and hit by fewer ground and air attacks than elsewhere. Hebrew media say the Qassam Brigades have largely retained their strength there.

Repeated strikes on police vehicles

On Sunday evening, the third day of Eid al-Fitr, a drone struck a Hamas-run police vehicle, killing three and wounding others. Field sources said one of the dead was Ahmed Hamdan, an elite field commander in the Nuseirat Battalion of the Qassam Brigades.

The Israeli military did not comment. The strike followed a similar attack days earlier on a Hamas police vehicle that killed at least four people, including prominent Qassam operatives, in central Gaza.

Asharq Al-Awsat monitoring shows that at least 10 field commanders, including company leaders, elite unit commanders, and deputy battalion commanders, have been killed by Israel in the past three weeks in a series of strikes.

Gaza’s Health Ministry says at least 690 Palestinians have been killed since a ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, bringing the total death toll since the war began to more than 72,265.

The killings have come alongside continued airstrikes, artillery fire, and demolitions along both sides of the so-called “yellow line,” and bulldozing of remaining homes along the main Salah al-Din road, particularly near Khan Younis and in areas such as Shuja’iyya and Jabalia.

Foiled assassination attempt

Military activity has coincided with operations by armed gangs in areas under Israeli control.

Hamas’ Radea (Deterrence) force said it foiled an attempt to assassinate a resistance commander, arresting two suspects and seizing their weapons and equipment, while two others fled.

It said interrogations revealed details about coordination between armed gangs and Israeli intelligence, which could help dismantle the groups.

Field sources said the target was a senior faction leader. They added that tighter security measures helped thwart the plot. Silenced pistols, cameras, and communication devices with Israeli SIM cards were seized.

Armed gangs have stepped up attacks on faction leaders and senior Hamas government officials. Some attempts have been foiled, while others have succeeded in recent months.

Arab World

Lebanon’s Upcoming Cabinet Session to Test Fallout of Expelling Iranian Envoy

A photo of former Secretary-General of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah lies amid the rubble of an Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association building destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs (EPA)
A photo of former Secretary-General of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah lies amid the rubble of an Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association building destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs (EPA)
TT
TT

Lebanon’s Upcoming Cabinet Session to Test Fallout of Expelling Iranian Envoy

A photo of former Secretary-General of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah lies amid the rubble of an Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association building destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs (EPA)
A photo of former Secretary-General of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah lies amid the rubble of an Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association building destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs (EPA)

Lebanon’s cabinet meets on Thursday in a first test of a deepening political crisis, after a sharp split between the “Shiite duo” of Hezbollah and Amal Movement and other factions over a decision to declare Iran’s ambassador, Mohammad Reza Sheibani, persona non grata.

The government will convene at the Grand Serail to assess the fallout across political, security, and social fronts, including escalating Israeli attacks and displacement, the prime minister’s office said.

The crisis, triggered by the Foreign Ministry’s move, threatens to disrupt cabinet work. The ministry said the decision followed diplomatic violations by the Iranian envoy.

Sources familiar with the Shiite duo’s stance said their ministers could boycott the session chaired by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam if no compromise is reached.

Other sources said contacts between Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and President Joseph Aoun were ongoing to contain the crisis, starting with ensuring attendance and putting the issue on the agenda.

Presidency silent

The presidency has not commented, awaiting Thursday’s session, as the president faces pressure from both sides. The Shiite duo is demanding a reversal, while parties opposed to Hezbollah, including the Lebanese Forces and the Kataeb Party, back the decision.

Sources close to the Shiite duo said proposed solutions center on reversing the move. Diplomatic sources dismissed that option, saying the foreign ministry is not considering a rollback.

Sources following the discussions said expelling an ambassador is a sovereign decision under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and falls within the president’s authority.

They added that the Iranian envoy had been appointed but was not yet accredited, as the war had delayed the presentation of credentials.

Political alignment

The crisis has deepened internal divisions, with ministerial sources saying Lebanon is effectively drawn into broader regional alignments.

The Amal Movement said it “will not allow the crisis to pass under any circumstances,” calling a reversal a “national virtue.”

Hezbollah escalated its stance, as senior cleric Ali al-Khatib urged the state to reverse the decision, saying it harms Lebanon’s interests.

Talks with Israel stall

The dispute also reflects the Shiite duo's wider rejection of direct talks with Israel.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem did not address the envoy issue, but said Lebanon faces a choice between surrender and confrontation, calling resistance a national responsibility.

Direct talks between Lebanon and Israel appear stalled. Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported contacts had stopped due to Lebanon’s lack of readiness and Israel’s continued attacks.

A European diplomat said Lebanon’s willingness to negotiate under fire has faded after the government failed to agree on a negotiating delegation.

A source also cited fears within the Lebanese government of being accused of collaborating with the enemy, as Israel continues to strike Beirut and destroy bridges over the Litani River.

Arab World

Will Lebanon Be the Biggest Loser After the Ceasefire?

Smoke rises after an Iranian missile is intercepted over the Sahel Alma area in Mount Lebanon. (Reuters)
Smoke rises after an Iranian missile is intercepted over the Sahel Alma area in Mount Lebanon. (Reuters)
TT
TT

Will Lebanon Be the Biggest Loser After the Ceasefire?

Smoke rises after an Iranian missile is intercepted over the Sahel Alma area in Mount Lebanon. (Reuters)
Smoke rises after an Iranian missile is intercepted over the Sahel Alma area in Mount Lebanon. (Reuters)

Political sources in Beirut warned Lebanon could emerge as the biggest loser when the current regional war ends, outlining their concerns to Asharq Al-Awsat.

Lebanon is heading toward a severe internal crisis, the sharpest in its modern history with the dispute centering on Hezbollah’s weapons.

The majority of Shiites in the country insists on keeping them, while most other segments say Lebanon’s survival depends on implementing government decisions to limit arms to the state, in line with Lebanese, Arab, and international positions.

The sources noted that Hezbollah has again entered a regional war it cannot influence, risking burdens Lebanon cannot bear.

Hefty price

The war is proving costly for those involved and for countries hit by its spillover.

A ceasefire would likely show Iran suffered heavy damage to its defense, industrial sectors, and infrastructure, potentially setting it back decades. But its size, energy resources, and experience with economic hardship may help it manage the aftermath, unless losses destabilize the system.

Iranian missiles are expected to have caused damage to Israeli institutions and infrastructure, despite a high interception rate. The cost of interception is steep, but Israel appears ready to absorb it, calling the conflict an existential war and relying on strong US support.

Lebanon will struggle the most. Its economy is already near collapse. The country faces a catastrophic situation, with about one million displaced and heavy destruction along the border with Israel.

Israel has said it intends to establish a “buffer zone” inside Lebanese territory, signaling a return of occupation to parts of the country “pending guarantees for the safety of Galilee residents.”

The most dangerous scenario is that Israel’s campaign on the Lebanese front continues even if a ceasefire is reached between the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other.

The fallout is worsened by a deepening rift among Lebanon’s components, raising the risk of internal conflict.

The role of parliament Speaker Nabih Berri appears diminished as the conflict widens. The current crisis over the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador reflects a deeper divide between the Shiite camp and others over weapons, the war, and Lebanon’s regional role.

Hezbollah described the expulsion as a “sin”, demanding that the government reverse it.

‘Impossible to coexist’

Voices are rising in Lebanon, warning that it was “impossible to coexist” between a “quasi-state” and a “Hezbollah’s statelet.”

Countries that once backed Lebanon’s reconstruction, especially in the Gulf, are now focused on their own losses from Iranian attacks. They have also made clear that they will not help unless the Lebanese state takes full control over decisions of war and peace.

The sources reiterated their warning that Lebanon risks being the biggest loser, especially if Israel expands its ground offensive and internal divisions deepen to the point of questioning the country’s very formula of coexistence.