International

1,000 Palestinian prisoners, 33 hostages to be freed in Hamas-Israel ceasefire deal: Report

Hamas sources have revealed that approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released as part of an initial agreement in ongoing Gaza-related negotiations, according to AFP.

Although the full details of the agreement remain undisclosed, the development is being regarded as a significant step in addressing regional tensions and humanitarian concerns. If finalized, it would be one of the largest prisoner exchanges in recent years.

Reports indicate that the initial phase of the agreement includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Israeli officials have stated that the first phase will see several hundred individuals freed, with a buffer zone in Gaza being maintained by Israel during the process. Hamas has reportedly agreed to a draft ceasefire agreement, which Qatar, a mediator in the negotiations, has described as being closer to finalization than ever before.

The proposed three-phase deal, supported by U.S. President Joe Biden and endorsed by the U.N. Security Council, outlines a gradual exchange of hostages and prisoners over six weeks.

In the initial phase, 33 hostages, including women, children, and wounded civilians, would be released in exchange for 50 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 militants serving life sentences.

Israeli forces would withdraw from populated areas during this time, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, while humanitarian aid to the region would be significantly increased.

The negotiations, mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, aim to end the 15-month-long conflict that began with Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 250 hostages being taken.

Israel estimates that around 100 hostages remain in Gaza, with at least a third believed to be deceased.

The genocide has resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, with women and children making up more than half of the fatalities, according to Gaza’s health authorities. Israel claims 17,000 of those killed were militants but has not provided evidence to substantiate this figure.

Optimism about the agreement has grown, with officials hoping it can be finalized before the January 20 inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry has described the talks as positive, while Trump has suggested a resolution is imminent.

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