GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas’s top leader in the Gaza Strip has expressed optimism about reaching a prisoner exchange with Israel. Yehiyeh Sinwar spoke Monday as Egyptian mediators were working to hammer out a long-term cease-fire following an 11-day war in the Gaza Strip. Egypt’s intelligence chief met with Sinwar a day after meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Sinwar says “there is a real chance to make progress.” Israel’s defense minister, Benny Gantz, said any progress on postwar reconstruction in Gaza would hinge on Hamas releasing the remains of two dead Israeli soldiers as well as two Israeli civilians it is holding in Gaza.
