Israel ready to release over 700 Palestinians – media
Israel has agreed to release between 700 and 800 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 40 hostages still held by Hamas, two of the country's news outlets reported on Sunday, citing officials familiar with the matter. The swap could form part of a potential US-brokered ceasefire deal aimed at suspending the fighting between Israel and the Gaza-based armed group, which has entered its fifth month.
According to Channel 12 and the Walla website, West Jerusalem is willing to release 100 inmates who have been convicted of murder. An unnamed official, who spoke to the Times of Israel, was cautious, however, saying “Right now, we’re feeling 50/50 about the chances for a deal.”
West Jerusalem is also reportedly ready to discuss permitting Palestinians to return to the northern part of Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously rejected a proposal by Hamas for a truce and prisoner exchange, insisting that the Israel Defense Forces are determined to eradicate the militant group’s presence in Gaza.
CIA Director William Burns reportedly met with an Israeli delegation in Qatar on Saturday as part of US attempts to persuade the IDF to halt its offensive on Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, which is massively overcrowded with refugees.
An unnamed official told Reuters after the meeting that there were still “significant gaps” in the negotiations, particularly regarding the proposed ratio of Israelis and Palestinians involved in the potential swap. Hamas is yet to respond to the proposal.
Israel declared war on Hamas on October 7, after the militants carried out a cross-border raid, killing more than 1,100 people and taking at least 250 hostages. Dozens of captives were subsequently freed through a series of swaps, during a weeklong truce in November. Around 130 hostages are still being held in Gaza, according to Israeli officials.
More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s bombing of Gaza and ground operation since October 7, according to the Hamas-run health service.
