- Hamas signals willingness to free 34 captives
- It would form part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel, which would include Israel agreeing to withdrawing from Gaza
- Hamas says it needs time to assess the captives’ conditions
Hamas signals willingness to free 34 captives under ceasefire deal
Hamas has indicated its readiness to release 34 captives as part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel, according to reports from Reuters and AFP citing a Hamas official.
The Palestinian group, which governs the Gaza Strip, has reportedly approved the release of these captives as part of the initial phase of a prisoner exchange deal. This phase would prioritise women, children, elderly individuals, and sick captives held in Gaza, AFP reported.
However, Hamas has stated it needs time to assess the captives’ conditions. “Hamas has agreed to release the 34 prisoners, whether alive or dead. The group requires a week of calm to communicate with the captors and determine who is alive and who is deceased,” the official explained.
Reuters cited another Hamas official saying the deal would hinge on Israel agreeing to a permanent ceasefire and withdrawing from Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated on Sunday that Hamas has not yet provided a list of captives eligible for release.
The reports come as ceasefire negotiations continue in Qatar.
