Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom reported on Sunday progress in indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas and that they were on the path to reaching broad arrangements.
The newspaper quoted Palestinian sources confirming that an Egyptian security delegation had recently met high-ranking security officials in both Israel and Gaza. The delegation discussed means to remove obstacles that have emerged.
Israel Hayom said that the recent facilities given to merchants were a result of the progress achieved in the indirect negotiations.
Israel has decided to increase the cap for permits given to workers and merchants in Gaza to 7,000, the highest level since Hamas' rule began in 2007.
Steps easing restrictions on Gazans were announced after Hamas informed Israel that it planned to unilaterally halt the launching of explosive-laden balloons and rockets at Israel amid talks of a long-term truce.
Israel Hayom sources pointed out that there are also ongoing negotiations on the issue of the Israeli prisoners held by Hamas, noting that there are secret contacts in this regard.
According to the sources, Hamas will present its demands on an exchange deal.
An exchange deal, if achieved, is expected to see the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, in exchange for the Israeli soldiers or their remains held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Nevertheless, sources suggested that this deal would not be reached before Israeli legislative elections slated for March 2nd.
On another note, Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, met with the Qatari envoy to the Gaza Strip, Muhamad al-Amadi.
They discussed various options to improve the quality of life for Gaza residents and agreed on a money transfer to the tune of $12 million to 120 families in need, supporting 500 young couples wishing to marry and to invest $1 million to repair the homes of the poor.
Another subject that came up in their conversation was the transfer of $1 million to support university graduates.
Sinwar's office reported that: “Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip and the Qatari envoy al-Amadi discussed [the formation of a] a gas line to help produce electricity”. This is the second time where documentation of Sinwar is shown in the media in the last three months.
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