Prisoner Exchange | Hamas announces readiness to free 34 Israeli hostages including Israeli women, children, the elderly, and sick detainees held in Gaza

Agencies TEL AVIV/BEIRUT

In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group has announced its readiness to release 34 Israeli hostages as part of the first phase of a prisoner exchange agreement. This update sheds light on the initial details of the proposed exchange program.

According to AFP, the initial phase will see the release of 34 individuals, including Israeli women, children, the elderly, and sick detainees held in Gaza.

A senior Hamas official confirmed to AFP that the group has reviewed the list of prisoners provided by Israel and agreed to release 34 hostages. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office clarified that Hamas has yet to submit an official list of hostages for the exchange.

Hamas has outlined specific conditions for the exchange, including a one-week period to negotiate with the surviving hostages and confirm the identities of the deceased. The group has also requested a peaceful environment during this period, urging the Israeli military to halt operations temporarily.

The announcement marks a potential breakthrough in the conflict, though the timeline and implementation of the exchange remain uncertain.