Report: Ceasefire deal includes release of 800 Palestinian prisoners and 40 Israeli hostages

Israel has reportedly agreed in principle on a new outline for a six-week ceasefire with Hamas that would see the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages. 

Israeli media reported that the deal includes the release of between 700-800 Palestinian prisoners, with around 100 being convicted of murder. In return, 40 hostages would be released from Gaza, primarily women, children, elderly and ill.

Times of Israel quoted an Israeli official as saying that Jerusalem is feeling “50/50 about the chances for a deal.”

Haaretz Daily, however, quoted Hamas officials in Qatar saying that Israel is exaggerating the prospects of a deal, accusing Jerusalem of stalling for time to prepare for an offensive in Rafah in southern Gaza.

“On the eve of Ramadan they talked about a cease-fire, and it did not happen. Then they said in the first week, and now we are halfway through Ramadan, and it still isn’t in sight,” the official said.

The Israeli delegation in Qatar is led by Mossad chief David Barnea and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. If they manage to reach an agreement with Hamas, the deal will be presented to the Israeli government which will then vote on it.

The current deal on the table is much worse than the first ceasefire in November, where only 150 Palestinian prisoners were released, most whom were minors. In return, 50 Israeli hostages were released, as well as dozens of foreigners.

One of the issue causing a delay in the deal is the return of Palestinian civilians to northern Gaza which is still a war zone. Hamas is also seeking a permanent ceasefire which will allow the terror group to rule Gaza the day after the war, something Israel has consistently refused.

Hamas official told AFP that Israel refuses to “agree on a comprehensive ceasefire and refuses the complete withdrawal of its forces from Gaza.”

134 hostages remain in Gaza, with some 50 of them believed to be dead. Hamas issued another propaganda video the week, claiming the death of another Israeli hostages.