Ceasefire: Hamas agrees to release 34 prisoners of war with Israel
Agencies
06/01/2025
Israeli protesters outside the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem on Sunday, holding photos of Liri Albag and other captives during protests calling for their release from custody by the Hamas group. - AP Image
GAZA PENINSULA: The Palestinian militant group Hamas has approved a list of 34 prisoners submitted by Israel for potential exchanges in the ceasefire agreement, a Hamas official told Reuters on Sunday.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stressed that any agreement is contingent on agreeing to Israel's withdrawal from Gaza as well as the implementation of a permanent ceasefire.
However, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Hamas has not yet prepared any list. Meanwhile, efforts by intermediaries from the United States (US) and the Arabs to reach an agreement are intensifying.
However, Israeli airstrikes on Sunday left at least 14 Palestinians dead in three separate attacks in Gaza, bringing the weekend death toll to 102, according to Palestinian medics.
The Israeli military said it had struck more than 100 targets in Gaza over the weekend, killing dozens of Hamas fighters.
The military also said it had destroyed rocket launch sites used to attack Israel in recent days.
Pressure is mounting on both sides to reach a ceasefire agreement that includes the release of prisoners held in Gaza before the incoming US President, Donald Trump, officially takes office on January 20. - Agency
