Hamas has demanded Israel stop flying drones over Gaza in hostage negotiations - CNN

Hamas has demanded that Israel stop flying reconnaissance drones over the Gaza Strip as part of its demand that Israel suspend its military operations in exchange for the release of hostages, three sources cited by  CNN reported on November 17, UNN reported. 

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While Israel could suspend its military operations for several days to free dozens of hostages, the sources suggested that it is unlikely to accept a request to use drones, as this would mean losing track of Hamas' movements, including any efforts to move hostages within the Gaza Strip.

At the same time, it is not clear whether this proposal remains on the table, given that the negotiations are intensifying.

The Pentagon has also been flying US reconnaissance drones over the Gaza Strip, supporting Israeli efforts to find hostages, including an estimated 10 Americans. U.S. officials have said that the intelligence being collected is not being used to launch deadly strikes.

The negotiating parties - Israel, Hamas, and the United States, with Qatar mediating between them - continue to work hard to try to reach an agreement on a number of contentious issues. According to sources, these include how many days a potential pause in hostilities would last and the number of hostages to be released.

According to the source, on Friday, US President Joe Biden spoke with Qatari leader Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and this is the second such conversation this week. Hostage negotiations were held in Qatar, with the participation of the heads of Israeli and US intelligence agencies.

It is expected that women and children will be the first to be released. Hamas also demands the simultaneous release of women and children from Israeli prisons. Other demands put forward by Hamas include more aid and fuel for the Gaza Strip, sources said, as well as allowing Palestinians who fled south to return to the north of the enclave, where Israel now has control.

"(It is) closer, but not yet finalized," the source said. The sources warned that there is no guarantee of a breakthrough and that a deal - if realized - is likely still several days away.