The Hamas militant group has proposed releasing all Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners simultaneously as part of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, aiming for a permanent truce and Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza.
The group confirmed that six remaining Israeli captives, initially scheduled for release in the first phase, will be freed on Saturday. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that discussions for the next phase would take place this week.
In a recent statement, Hamas reiterated its readiness to exchange captives in a single round to reach a comprehensive agreement for a permanent ceasefire and full withdrawal from Gaza.
Hamas also rejected Israel’s demand for the group’s disarmament and removal from Gaza. Spokesman Hazem Qassem labeled such conditions as “psychological warfare,” emphasizing that any future arrangements for Gaza would be determined through national consensus.
Qassem confirmed Hamas’ decision to double the number of captives to be released in the next phase, increasing it from three to six, citing mediator requests and the group’s intent to fulfill the agreement’s terms.
In exchange, Israel will reportedly release several prisoners serving life or long sentences.
Meanwhile, clashes erupted in Beit Rima, northwest of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, following the detention of young Palestinian men by Israeli forces. Violence in the West Bank has intensified since the Gaza conflict began on October 7, 2023, with an average of four daily incidents involving Israeli forces and settlers.
