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Hamas Announces Readiness to Release 34 Captives as Ceasefire Talks Continue
Hamas has agreed to release 34 captives, including women, children, and the elderly, as part of a potential ceasefire deal with Israel. Negotiations are ongoing as both sides await further developments.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-06
Hamas Announces Readiness to Release 34 Captives as Ceasefire Talks Continue

Hamas, the Palestinian group governing the Gaza Strip, has announced its readiness to release 34 captives as part of the first phase of a prisoner exchange deal with Israel. The release is expected to include women, children, elderly individuals, and those who are ill, as reported by news agencies Reuters and AFP. The decision to move forward with the exchange comes as part of ongoing ceasefire negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict.

However, Hamas officials noted that they required a week of calm to assess the condition of the captives, adding that they would release the individuals whether they were alive or deceased. This exchange deal would mark the beginning of a broader negotiation process, with Israel’s agreement to a permanent ceasefire and withdrawal from Gaza being a key stipulation from Hamas.

Despite the announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has stated that Israel has yet to receive confirmation or details from Hamas regarding the list of 34 captives, leaving the situation in a state of uncertainty.

Negotiations are currently being mediated in Qatar with U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration pushing for a breakthrough before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed hopes for a resolution in the remaining weeks of the Biden administration but acknowledged the complexities surrounding the issue.

While talks continue, Israel’s military actions in Gaza persist, with Israeli forces claiming to have targeted over 100 sites linked to Hamas. As the humanitarian toll rises, both sides remain entrenched in their demands, and the path to peace remains fraught with challenges.
Tagged:

Israel

Gaza

Hamas

Ceasefire

PeaceTalks

PrisonerExchange
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