Hamas announced Tuesday that a new agreement has been reached to resolve delays in releasing Palestinian prisoners, linking their freedom to the handover of Israeli hostages' bodies under the Gaza ceasefire deal. The breakthrough comes after days of tense negotiations and setbacks, as both sides navigate fragile peace talks.
What’s the Deal? 🔄
The deal, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, requires Palestinian prisoners to be released simultaneously with the bodies of Israeli hostages agreed upon in the ceasefire’s first phase. A Hamas delegation visited Cairo this week to discuss implementation, stressing a need for 'full and precise commitment' to the deal’s terms.
Why Did the Delay Happen? ⏳
Israel had postponed freeing over 600 prisoners last weekend, demanding more hostages be released first. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office criticized 'disgraceful ceremonies' tied to earlier releases. Meanwhile, Israel is considering extending the 42-day truce to secure the return of 63 remaining hostages.
What’s Next? 🌐
The initial ceasefire phase, backed by the U.S., ends Saturday—with no clarity on future steps. Hamas official Basem Naim emphasized that progress hinges on Israel withdrawing forces and committing to a permanent ceasefire. So far, 29 Israeli hostages (plus five Thais) have been freed in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees.
As deadlines loom, the world watches to see if this fragile truce can evolve into lasting peace—or collapse under unresolved tensions.
