Hamas Approves 34-Hostage Swap Conditional on Ceasefire; Israel Denies Receiving List

Jan 5, 2025, 08:04 PM

Hamas has reportedly approved a list of 34 hostages, including women, children, and the sick, proposed by Israel to be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners as part of a potential ceasefire agreement. The information, reported by Reuters citing an unnamed Hamas official, indicates that the approval of the list is contingent upon Israel agreeing to withdraw its forces from Gaza and establishing a permanent ceasefire. However, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office has denied receiving any such list, stating that Hamas has not provided a list of hostage names up to this moment. The conflicting reports come amid ongoing negotiations in Doha, Qatar, aiming to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas since the escalation of conflict in Gaza.