Hamas proposes releasing all Palestinian, Israeli hostages 'in one go' for permanent truce

Hamas has offered Israel a proposal to exchange remaining Palestinian and Israeli hostages in “one go” during the second phase of the Gaza truce, aiming for a “permanent ceasefire” and full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.

With this proposal, Hamas attempted to hold on to its two longstanding demands, but the Israeli security cabinet was focusing on the removal of the group, which has been designated as a terrorist group by the US and several pro-Israeli countries. 

According to Bloomberg, Hazem Qasim, a spokesperson of Hamas, told Telegram that the group refuses to be either expelled from the Gaza Strip or disarmed and that arrangements for reconstructing the future of Gaza will be decided after the national consensus. 

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He declared Israel’s motive for expelling Hamas from Gaza as a “silly psychological warfare,” adding the group can transfer power in the enclave to the Palestinian Authority if it ensures the well-being of Gazans. 

Hamas said that it would free six captives in the upcoming exchange on Saturday, in accordance with the deal. However, the decision on the proposal was made in response to the mediators.    

Both parties in Gaza expressed consensus on halting hostilities in January after the months-long talks under the US and other brokers, including Qatar and Egypt. 

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Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar said the talks to extend the truce and secure the rest of the hostages held by Hamas will start in the coming days. 

Gaza’s Health Ministry confirmed 48,291 Palestinian deaths in Israel’s war on Gaza, while 111,722 people were wounded. According to the Information Department, death toll reached at least 61,709, saying thousands of Palestinians missing under the rubble are now presumed dead.

At least 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks and more than 200 were taken captive.