Hamas announced on Tuesday that an agreement has been reached to resolve the delay in releasing Palestinian prisoners who were scheduled to be freed in the last batch.
According to a statement from Hamas, the prisoners will be released simultaneously with the bodies of Israeli hostages that were agreed to be handed over during the first stage of the Gaza ceasefire deal.
A Hamas delegation recently concluded a visit to Cairo, where they met with Egyptian officials to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, the exchange of prisoners, and prospects for the next phase of negotiations.
“The delegation stressed its clear position on the necessity of full and precise commitment to all provisions and stages of the agreement,” the statement added.
Israel announced on Sunday that it had postponed the release of Palestinian detainees, who were set to be freed on Saturday under the ceasefire agreement, pending the release of more hostages.
On Tuesday, Israeli officials said they are considering an extension of the truce in Gaza as they seek to bring home the remaining 63 hostages, while deferring decisions on the future of the enclave.
The initial phase of the ceasefire deal, backed by the United States and mediated by Egypt and Qatar, is due to end on Saturday, leaving uncertainty about the next steps.
Hamas official Basem Naim stated that progress cannot be made while prisoners are still held but emphasized Hamas’s commitment to a permanent ceasefire and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces.
So far, 29 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals have been released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The deal has endured several challenges but continues to hold.
