Hamas Proposes Deal to Release all Hostages at Once in Exchange for Complete Withdrawal from Gaza

Senior Hamas Terrorist Taher al-Nunu announced that the terror organization is prepared to release all remaining hostages in a single exchange during the second phase of the ongoing ceasefire agreement with Israel. This proposal marks a departure from the current phased approach to hostage releases and introduces a new dynamic to the negotiations.

Hamas has communicated to mediators its readiness to free all hostages in one comprehensive swap, aiming to expedite the process and potentially facilitate a more stable ceasefire. The initial phase of the agreement, set to conclude on March 2, involved staggered releases of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. The proposed second phase includes the cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from the Gaza Strip.

Currently, 59 Israeli hostages remain in Hamas captivity, according to Israeli authorities. Among them, 35 have been confirmed to be deceased. Al-Nunu did not specify whether the bodies of those hostages who lost their lives, which are currently scheduled for return in a later phase, would be included in the proposed single exchange.