Hamas Willing to Release All Israeli Captives in Exchange for Permanent Ceasefire Agreement

Hamas has proposed a major prisoner exchange during the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, suggesting that all Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners be released simultaneously. The proposal is seen as a crucial step toward securing a permanent ceasefire and ensuring a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The group also confirmed that the remaining six Israeli captives, who were expected to be released in the first phase, will be freed by Saturday.

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, has stated that discussions for the second phase of the deal will take place in the coming days. This follows the recent progress made in the first phase, which has seen some captive releases, but Hamas has emphasized that the true breakthrough will come with the simultaneous exchange of all prisoners.

In Lebanon, the situation has taken a tragic turn, with rescuers recovering the bodies of 23 people after Israeli forces partially withdrew from southern villages and towns. The move followed the expiration of a deadline for a complete Israeli pullout, marking a shift in the ongoing conflict. The tragic toll of the war is becoming increasingly evident. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that 48,291 Palestinians have died since the start of the conflict, and 111,722 have been injured. The Government Media Office has updated the toll to at least 61,709, with thousands more presumed dead beneath the rubble of destroyed buildings.

On the Israeli side, the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks claimed the lives of at least 1,139 people. More than 200 Israelis were taken captive during these attacks, contributing to the ongoing tension between the two sides. Hamas’s proposed exchange of all prisoners is seen as a pivotal move toward ending the conflict and securing a long-term resolution, though it remains uncertain how successful the negotiations will be in achieving this goal.

As discussions continue and the situation evolves, both sides face immense challenges, with the lives of many still in jeopardy. The hope for a lasting peace remains dependent on the success of these delicate negotiations and the willingness of both parties to make significant compromises.