Hamas to release 20 living hostages at once as part of Gaza deal, Arab media report
Hamas is also reportedly willing to “freeze” weapons, but not fully disarm, according to Arab media, citing the Egyptian Intelligence Bureau.
Hamas agreed to release all living hostages together and to delay the release of the remains of the deceased hostages once a deal is reached in Egypt, Al Jazeera reported on Wednesday evening, citing a senior Palestinian source.
A Palestinian source later told al-Araby al-Jadeed that all of the remaining 20 living hostages will be released in a single batch during the first phase of the deal.
This comes as another round of talks in Egypt draws to a close for the day, the Qatari outlet added. Negotiators reportedly discussed the lists of prisoners to be released and guarantees to prevent a return to fighting after the hostages are freed.
Hamas is also reportedly willing to “freeze” weapons, but not fully disarm, according to Arab media, citing the Egyptian Intelligence Bureau.
The Palestinian terror group also reportedly said that it would not hand over its weapons to non-Arab intermediaries.
Palestinian prisoners who were released in a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas arrive to the West Bank city of Ramallah, February 15, 2025. (credit: FLASH90)
Hamas says prisoner lists exchanged during Egypt talks
This comes after Hamas confirmed on Wednesday thatprisoner lists were exchanged as part of ongoing indirect talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement.
The negotiations, according to a statement by the group, are focused on three main points: ending the war, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and the exchange of prisoners.
Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said that his delegation had “presented the necessary positivity and responsibility” to advance efforts toward an agreement.
Hamas also reportedly demanded “written, not verbal, guarantees” of Israel’s commitment to the proposed ceasefire agreement.
Amichai Stein contributed to this report.
