Hamas has declared a breakthrough in the ongoing negotiations to release Palestinian prisoners, signaling progress in the fragile ceasefire with Israel. According to Hamas, an agreement has been reached to address delays in the release of Palestinian detainees who were slated to be freed in the latest batch.
The organization announced that the prisoners will be released concurrently with the return of the bodies of Israeli hostages, a key component of the initial phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal. This development follows a visit by a Hamas leadership delegation to Cairo, where they engaged in discussions with Egyptian officials about implementing the ceasefire, exchanging prisoners, and exploring the next steps in negotiations.
\"The delegation of the movement's leadership stressed its clear position on the necessity of full and precise commitment to all its provisions and stages,\" stated Hamas in their official release.
In contrast, Israel has postponed the release of Palestinian detainees, initially scheduled for Saturday, until additional hostages are freed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office indicated that the release would continue \"until the release of the next hostages is secured, without the disgraceful ceremonies.\"
Amidst these developments, Israeli officials are contemplating an extension of the current 42-day truce in Gaza to facilitate the return of the remaining 63 hostages, while postponing decisions about the future status of the enclave.
The ceasefire, brokered with support from the United States and mediation by Egypt and Qatar on January 19, is set to conclude this Saturday, leaving the path forward uncertain.
Hamas official Basem Naim emphasized that meaningful progress is contingent upon the release of all prisoners, reaffirming the group's dedication to a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Thus far, 29 Israeli hostages, including five Thais, have been released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The bodies of four additional hostages are expected to be handed over on Thursday, as part of the ongoing exchange.
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Hamas says solution reached over release of Palestinian prisoners
cgtn.com
