Sources reveal what Hamas asked Israel in hostage negotiations regarding ‘flying marches’

(CNN) – Hamas has demanded that Israel stop flying reconnaissance drones over Gaza as part of its demand that Israel halt its military operations in exchange for the release of hostages held by the movement, according to Israeli officials and a third source familiar with ongoing negotiations. .

While Israel could suspend its military operations for several days to allow the release of dozens of hostages, the sources indicated that it is unlikely to accept the drones’ request because it would mean losing track of the movements of Hamas members, including any attempts to transfer their hostages. inside the Gaza Strip…

Hamas’ request not to use drones has not previously been made public, and as intense discussions continue, it is unclear whether this request is still on the table or has been formally rejected by Israel as part of the negotiations.

A spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in Washington declined to comment Friday.

The Israeli military flies drones over the skies of Gaza for hours almost every day during its military operations and uses them as its primary surveillance method to monitor the battlefield.

Throughout the negotiations, Israel balanced its urgent desire to release the hostages with fears that Hamas could use any lull to stifle Israeli military superiority and regroup its ranks.

The Pentagon is also sending U.S. surveillance drones over Gaza to support Israel’s efforts to find the hostages, which include about 10 Americans, and U.S. officials have said the American intelligence gathered is not being used to conduct lethal attacks.