Hamas has stated that it would be ready to free 34 captives in return for the ceasefire deal with Israel, the Reuters and AFP news agencies have reported, citing an official with the Palestinian group.
The Palestinian group governing Gaza approved the release of the captives “as part of the first phase of a prisoner exchange deal,” the AFP quoted an unnamed official from Hamas on Sunday.
The initial swap will involve all women, children, the elderly, and sick captives held in Gaza, the AFP quoted the official as saying.
Reuters quoted an unnamed Hamas official as saying that any deal on the ceasefire depended on Israel agreeing to a permanent ceasefire and withdrawal from Gaza.
On Sunday, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported that Hamas has not yet provided a list of the captives that may be released.
Reports have meanwhile surfaced that negotiations are being held in Qatar to achieve a ceasefire.
The administration of US President Joe Biden, mediating the talks, is hoping for a last-minute breakthrough to reach a ceasefire before US President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in on January 20.
Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashem reported from the Qatari capital that there remain substantial differences to bridge between the sides.
“In the end, this is a matter for strategic decision-making. The decision is now in the hands of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; as a matter of fact, Hamas has tossed the Ball in His Court; it’s all up to Israel whether they want to propel it to the next level or not,” said Hashem.
Hashem said the negotiations were also being conducted against the background of Trump’s warnings on the consequences of not reaching a deal.
“Trump warned just a few weeks ago that hell would be unleashed if he took office and there was no ceasefire. Well, who was he warning? Probably not Netanyahu. Probably Hamas,” added Hashem.
“So how would Hamas respond to this? Will they give away what they have been looking for? In particular, the matter of withdrawal and a permanent ceasefire for the Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip. Because at the time of Hamas’ releasing the captives they hold, there is no guarantee that this war will end. That is precisely why Hamas is looking for a clear commitment.”
Israel continued to airstrike Gaza on Sunday, blasting more than 100 “terror targets” in the territory throughout the weekend, the military announced.
Gaza health officials say at least 100 Palestinians, including five people in a house in the Nuseirat camp and five people in a police station in Khan Younis, were killed because of the Israeli attacks.