Hamas says it exchanged lists of hostages and prisoners with Israel
Photo: Peace talks in Gaza continue (Getty Images)
Hamas has announced that Israeli and Palestinian negotiators have exchanged lists of prisoners and hostages who could be released if a peace agreement is reached, Sky News reports.
The exchange of prisoner and hostage lists was mentioned in a statement released by the Hamas terrorist organization regarding the renewed peace talks on Gaza.
The statement was signed by senior Hamas official Taher al Nunu, who also "expresses optimism about reaching a deal."
Al Nunu confirmed that the talks are focused on "mechanisms for implementing the end of the war, the withdrawal of the occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, and the exchange of prisoners".
The release of the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas and 1,950 Palestinian prisoners are key elements of the 20-point peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump.
Indirect negotiations on ending the war in Gaza began in Egypt on October 7. The discussions also include the potential release of prisoners and hostages.
Both sides have confirmed their willingness to adhere to the general principles of the plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, under which hostilities must cease, hostages must be released, and humanitarian aid must flow into Gaza.
Negotiation challenges
Despite Western calls for a rapid peace deal, both parties are demanding clarification on key details.
Israel has partially paused its strikes on Gaza, while Hamas insists on receiving guarantees that Tel Aviv will indeed withdraw its troops once militants relinquish control and release the hostages.
The Israeli side has limited the first stage of negotiations to the issue of hostage release and the creation of a buffer zone along the so-called yellow line in Gaza.
At the end of September, Donald Trump announced productive negotiations ahead of signing a final peace agreement to end the war in the Gaza Strip.
