Hamas Signals Readiness to Release 34 Captives in Potential Gaza Ceasefire Deal
Hamas has indicated its willingness to release 34 captives as part of a potential ceasefire agreement with Israel, Al Jazeera reports, citing Reuters and AFP news agencies, citing an unnamed official from the Palestinian group.
The move comes as international efforts to broker a ceasefire intensify amidst ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
The Hamas official stated that the group, which governs the Gaza Strip, has approved the release of the captives “as part of the first phase of a prisoner exchange deal.” This initial swap would include all women, children, elderly individuals, and sick captives currently held in Gaza. However, the group has cited the need for a period of calm to determine the condition of the captives.
Reuters further reported that a Hamas official said a ceasefire deal hinges on Israel agreeing to a permanent cessation of hostilities and a complete withdrawal from Gaza.
However, Israel has responded cautiously. The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Monday that Hamas had not provided any details regarding the specific identities of the 34 captives they are proposing to release.
These developments unfold as ceasefire negotiations continue in Qatar. The United States, acting as a mediator, is hoping for a breakthrough before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the desire to finalize a deal before the end of the Biden administration but noted that the process might take longer.
The negotiations are taking place against the backdrop of Trump’s warnings regarding the consequences of failing to reach a deal.
Meanwhile, violence has continued in the region. Israel conducted airstrikes in Gaza over the weekend, claiming to have struck over 100 “terror targets.” Gaza health officials report that these strikes resulted in the deaths of more than 100 Palestinians, including five people at a home in the Nuseirat camp and five at a police station in Khan Younis.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in a devastating toll on the Palestinian population in Gaza, with over 45,800 deaths recorded since Israel launched its offensive in response to Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks.
