According to their information, there is "some progress" in the negotiations concerning the hostage deal. However, there are "significant difficulties" on the path to finalizing the agreement.
"There are gaps, some of which can be bridged, while others are very challenging," The Jerusalem Post quotes the Israeli side.
A Palestinian official involved in the discussions stated on December 21 to BBC that the negotiations regarding the hostage deal and ceasefire are 90% complete. He noted that one of the main sticking points is the retention of the Israeli military presence in the Philadelphi Corridor in southern Gaza along the border with Egypt.
Discussions are also underway regarding the establishment of a buffer zone several kilometers wide along the entire border between Israel and Gaza. The representative from Palestine added that Israel will maintain a military presence in this zone.