Hamas official reports progress in Israel prisoner exchange talks
Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk said a deal could be weeks away.
A top Hamas official said Friday that Israel and the militant group are making progress in talks over a potential prisoner swap, indicating that a deal could be weeks away.
Moussa Abu Marzouk, a member of Hamas' political bureau, told the London-based news outlet al-Araby al-Jadeed that a “fundamental development” had occurred in the discussions, according to The Times of Israel.
“This issue will be ready within weeks — if the occupation responds to the [Hamas] movement’s demands. The occupation is delaying, seeking to maneuver and buy time,” Abu Marzouk said.
Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, is believed to be holding the remains of Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, two Israeli soldiers who were captured during the 2014 war. The militant group is also reportedly detaining two former Israeli soldiers, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayeed.
