ALBAWABA - An exclusive report by Reuters revealed that Israel and Hamas have broadly agreed in principle that an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners could take place during a month-long ceasefire.
Intense mediation efforts led by Qatar, Washington, and Egypt in recent weeks have focused on a phased approach to release different categories of Israeli hostages - starting with civilians and ending with soldiers - in return for a break in hostilities, the release of Palestinian prisoners and more aid to Gaza, Reuters reported.
Later in December, negotiations intensified as the length of a possible ceasefire in Gaza was narrowed down to a 30-day truce, shortly after Hamas had first proposed a pause of several months, one of the sources told Reuters.
Hamas has since refused to move forward with the plans until the future conditions of a permanent ceasefire are agreed.
Egyptian anonymous security sources told Reuters that efforts are underway to get Hamas to accept a one-month truce followed by a permanent ceasefire. However, to agree to the initial truce, Hamas wants guarantees that the second phase of the deal will be completed.
Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, stated to Reuters on Monday that they were open to discussing ideas but that no deal was yet in place.
"We are open to all initiatives and proposals, but any agreement must be based on ending the aggression and the occupation's complete pullout from the Gaza Strip," said Abu Zuhri.
In November 2023, Hamas and the Israeli government reached a 4-day truce agreement. The truce conditions Hamas to release 50 Israeli hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons. The truce ended up being extended for a couple more days, making it a 7-day deal between Hamas and Israel.
Al-Aqsa Flood operation against Israel
Hamas military group announced on Oct. 7 a military operation called "Al-Aqsa Flood" against Israel which is the biggest offensive in decades.
Palestinian fighters “infiltrated” Israel from the Gaza Strip and captured military bases and took hostages as photos and videos went viral online showing Hamas fighters on vehicles inside Israel and others paragliding into occupation territory.
In response, Israeli armed forces announced targeting Hamas positions inside the Gaza Strip. Thousands were killed, and dozens of thousands of others were injured in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
Since October 7, Israel has heavily pounded the enclave resulting in the killing of 25,490 Palestinians and injuring 63,354. Nearly 1,200 Israelis are believed to have been killed in the Hamas attack.
