Hamas Proposes Comprehensive Prisoner-Hostage Exchange with Israel
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Synopsis
Hamas has proposed a comprehensive prisoner-for-hostage swap with Israel, seeking the immediate release of all Israeli prisoners for all Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. This proposal is part of ongoing negotiations aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Key Takeaways
- Hamas proposes an "all for all" prisoner swap.
- The proposal includes the immediate release of all Israeli prisoners.
- Negotiations are ongoing with international mediators.
- Israel has yet to respond officially to the proposal.
- The second phase focuses on remaining hostages and a ceasefire.
Gaza, Feb 19 (NationPress) Hamas announced on Wednesday that it has put forth a proposal to Israel, mediated by third parties, for an extensive prisoner-for-hostage exchange based on the concept of "all for all" amidst ongoing talks.
A senior official from Hamas, who chose to remain anonymous, indicated that the proposal advocates for "the immediate release of all Israeli prisoners held by Hamas in return for Israel freeing all Palestinian prisoners in its custody."
The official did not clarify whether this proposal pertains to the initial phase of the agreement or is related to the forthcoming second phase of discussions.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem reiterated the group's willingness for "a one-time prisoner swap in the second phase."
However, he emphasized that such an arrangement must be "part of an agreement leading to a permanent ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip," as reported by Xinhua news agency.
As of now, Israel has yet to provide an official reaction to the proposal, while global efforts are ongoing to facilitate the negotiations.
On Saturday, Hamas and Israel finalized the sixth prisoner-for-hostage exchange after intense negotiations that nearly jeopardized the fragile ceasefire.
During this exchange, Hamas released three additional Israeli hostages held in Gaza, while Israeli authorities released 369 Palestinian detainees.
According to the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, which has been effective since January 19 and is set to last six weeks, 33 Israeli hostages are expected to be freed in return for nearly 2,000 Palestinians.
So far, 19 Israeli hostages and five Thais have been released from Gaza, while Israeli authorities have let go of over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Israel and Hamas were scheduled to initiate discussions regarding the second phase in early February. On February 4, Hamas declared that it had commenced talks with international mediators, while a spokesperson for Netanyahu stated on social media platform X that Israel had not yet started negotiations for the second phase.
The second phase of the agreement is anticipated to concentrate on the release of remaining hostages, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Palestinian territory, and the establishment of a permanent ceasefire.
