CNN —Hamas has demanded that Israel stop flying surveillance drones over Gaza as part of its request that Israel pause its military operations in exchange for freeing hostages held by the terrorist group, according to two Israeli officials and a third source familiar with the ongoing negotiations.
The Israeli military has been flying drones in the skies over Gaza for hours on end virtually every day during their military operation, using them as a primary means of surveillance to monitor the battlefield.
The Pentagon has also been flying American surveillance drones over Gaza in its support of Israel’s efforts to find the hostages, which includes an estimated 10 Americans.
The negotiating parties – Israel, Hamas and the US, with Qatar mediating between them – continue to grind away, as they try to reach an agreement on a number of sticking points.
Other demands made by Hamas during the negotiations are more aid and fuel into Gaza, sources say, as well as allowing Palestinians who have fled south for safety to return to northern Gaza, where Israel now has control.
Persons:
Israel, – Israel, Joe Biden, Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al, “ It’s, –, Tzachi Hanegbi, ”, —, ” Hanegbi, Jake Sullivan, Brett McGurk, Bill Burns, McGurk, ” Biden, CNN’s Tamar Michaelis
Organizations:
CNN, Hamas, Pentagon, Israel’s National Security, Senior Biden, National, CIA
Locations:
Israel, Gaza, Washington, Qatar, Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani