Hamas Offers to Release 34 Captives Under Ceasefire Deal Amid Negotiations in Qatar

Hamas has announced its readiness to release 34 captives as part of a proposed ceasefire agreement with Israel, according to reports from Reuters and AFP. The Palestinian group, which governs the Gaza Strip, has indicated that the release would form the initial phase of a prisoner exchange deal.

Details of the Proposal

An unnamed Hamas official revealed that the group is prepared to free all women, children, elderly people, and sick captives currently held in Gaza. However, the process requires time to assess the captives' conditions.

"Hamas has agreed to release the 34 prisoners, whether alive or deceased. However, the group needs a week of calm to identify their status," the official stated.

The group’s stance comes amid demands for a permanent ceasefire and Israel's withdrawal from Gaza as conditions for a broader agreement.

Israeli Response

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has responded that Hamas has yet to provide a formal list of captives proposed for release.

Ongoing Ceasefire Talks in Qatar

The negotiations are taking place in Qatar, with the United States playing a mediating role. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of finalizing an agreement before the Biden administration concludes its term.

“We are working tirelessly to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. We hope to achieve this within the next two weeks,” Blinken stated during a press conference in South Korea.

Challenges and Risks

According to analysts, significant obstacles remain. Reporting from Doha, Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashem noted that Hamas has placed the responsibility for advancing the talks on Israel, which must make a political decision on the next steps.

“Hamas wants guarantees, including Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire, before releasing captives,” Hashem explained.

Escalation Continues

Despite the ongoing talks, the violence in Gaza shows no signs of abating. The Israeli military has continued airstrikes, targeting over 100 sites over the weekend. Gaza health officials report that more than 45,800 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict erupted in October 2023.

Key Highlights

• Captive Release: Hamas offers to release 34 captives in the first phase of a potential ceasefire deal.
• Conditions for Agreement: Hamas demands Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire.
• Negotiations in Qatar: U.S.-mediated talks aim for a resolution before the Biden administration ends.
• Conflict Escalation: Israeli airstrikes continue, resulting in significant casualties in Gaza.