Israel-Hamas war: Hamas proposes exchange of all Israeli soldiers for all Palestinian prisoners
Israel-Hamas war: Hamas, the Islamist movement governing Gaza, has signaled its willingness to release all Israeli soldiers currently held captive in exchange for the liberation of all Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel. The announcement came amid intense negotiations to extend a truce in Gaza, where hostilities had momentarily ceased for six days.
Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official and former Gaza health minister, revealed the group's stance during a press conference in Cape Town, South Africa, as part of his visit to the region. He emphasized that Hamas was engaged in challenging negotiations aimed at prolonging the cessation of hostilities, scheduled to conclude early Thursday.
"We are ready to release all soldiers in exchange for all our prisoners," Naim declared, highlighting the group's commitment to a comprehensive exchange. Hamas had captured approximately 240 individuals from southern Israel during an unprecedented attack on October 7, resulting in Israeli claims of around 1,200 casualties, mostly civilians.
In response, Israel, committed to eliminating Hamas, initiated an air and ground campaign, leading to the deaths of nearly 15,000 people, predominantly civilians, according to the Hamas government. The truce agreement, spanning six days, has seen the release of 60 Israeli hostages and 180 Palestinian prisoners, eliciting joy among their respective families.
However, a key point of contention remains the soldiers still held by Hamas, excluded from the current exchange agreement. These soldiers are likely to be utilized as significant bargaining chips by the Islamist movement. In 2011, over 1,000 Palestinians were exchanged for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who had been held captive by Hamas for five years.
Activist groups have emphasized that there are over 7,000 Palestinians currently in Israeli jails, with many being more prominent figures than the youngsters and women released under the truce agreement. Hamas had previously demanded the release of all Palestinian prisoners in October, offering to release all hostages in return.
The latest proposal from Hamas aligns with intensified efforts to extend the halt in hostilities, with reports suggesting the group's willingness to extend the truce by an additional four days and release more Israeli hostages. Naim stated, "We are trying with the mediators to negotiate a permanent ceasefire."
Amid these developments, Israel's army is investigating a report by Hamas's armed wing that a 10-month-old baby hostage, his four-year-old brother, and their mother had allegedly been killed in Gaza. Naim confirmed, "We have confirmed two to three weeks ago that 60 Israelis have been killed under Israeli bombardment and are still under the rubble. The woman and her two children are among them; I can confirm that."
- With inputs from agencies
