Hamas Proposes One-Time Prisoner Exchange for Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

Rabat – Hamas has offered to release all remaining Israeli captives in one go in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.  

The group released a statement in the early hours of Wednesday saying it is ready for “a second phase in which the prisoners will be exchanged in one go” instead of the gradual releases seen in the first phase of the ceasefire. 

The Palestinian group said that its goal is to end the war and secure Israel’s complete withdrawal.  

Hamas also rejected Israel’s demand for its disarmament and removal from Gaza, calling such conditions “unacceptable” and a “ridiculous psychological war.”  

As part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement, Hamas confirmed that it will release the remaining six living captives who were supposed to be freed in the first phase. This comes as Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, stated that negotiations for the second phase of the deal “will happen this week.”  

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not officially responded to the new Hamas proposal. However, within Israel’s political circles, particularly among the right wing, the idea of ending the war and allowing Hamas to remain in power is highly unpopular, Al Jazeera reported. Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that Israel is committed to the complete destruction of Hamas, both militarily and politically.  

Despite weeks of delay, Netanyahu has now agreed to send a negotiating team for the second phase of the talks. However, it is still unclear what Israel wants from the next stage. 

Reports in Israeli media suggest that Netanyahu hopes to extend the first phase of the agreement to secure the release of more captives. Meanwhile, Hamas insists that it will stick to the current deal and is pushing for a final resolution.  

The ongoing ceasefire came into effect on January 19. The first phase saw the release of dozens of Israeli captives in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, in addition to the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes and an influx of aid into Gaza.