Hamas Proposes Release of 34 Detainees in Exchange for Ceasefire Agreement

Department of Research, Studies and International News  07-01-2025

Israeli and Hamas representatives are engaged in intensive negotiations in Qatar as part of renewed efforts to finalize a ceasefire agreement. According to reports from Reuters and AFP, Hamas has expressed readiness to release 34 detainees under specific conditions tied to the broader ceasefire arrangement.

The Palestinian organization, which governs the Gaza Strip, has reportedly agreed to release the captives as the initial phase of a proposed prisoner exchange. This stage would prioritize the release of women, children, elderly individuals, and those who are ill. However, a Hamas official, speaking to AFP, highlighted the need for a brief cessation of hostilities to allow the group to assess the captives’ status accurately. “Hamas requires a week of calm to confirm the condition of the detainees and identify those who are alive or deceased,” the official stated.

In discussions with Reuters, another Hamas representative emphasized that the success of the deal hinges on Israel’s acceptance of a long-term ceasefire and the withdrawal of its forces from Gaza.

Meanwhile, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement on Monday indicating that no detailed information regarding the 34 captives had been received from Hamas. “Israel has yet to obtain any verification or comments from Hamas concerning the status of the hostages mentioned,” the statement read.

The negotiations in Qatar are being mediated by the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden, which is striving to achieve a resolution before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office on January 20. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed optimism about finalizing the ceasefire deal within the administration’s remaining timeframe. Speaking from South Korea, where he is on a diplomatic visit, Blinken remarked, “We are determined to conclude this agreement within the next two weeks. However, if that proves unattainable, I am confident that the deal will eventually be completed, ideally sooner rather than later.”

Reporting from Doha, Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashem underscored the significant hurdles that remain in bridging the gap between the two sides. According to Hashem, the ultimate decision lies with the Israeli leadership, particularly Netanyahu. “Hamas has placed the ball firmly in Israel’s court. Whether the process advances to the next stage depends on Israel’s political decisions,” Hashem stated.

The negotiations are further complicated by geopolitical factors, including Trump’s recent warnings about the potential fallout of failing to reach an agreement. “Trump has cautioned that without a ceasefire in place by the time he takes office, the consequences could be severe. This message seems directed more at Hamas than at Netanyahu,” Hashem added. “Hamas faces critical decisions about whether to compromise on their demands, such as Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and assurances of a permanent ceasefire.”

As diplomatic efforts continue, the conflict on the ground remains relentless. On Sunday, the Israeli military intensified its bombardment of Gaza, targeting over 100 locations it described as “terror sites.” Palestinian health authorities reported that these attacks resulted in more than 100 fatalities over the weekend, including casualties at a house in the Nuseirat refugee camp and a police station in Khan Younis.

The broader humanitarian toll of the conflict has been staggering. Since the onset of hostilities following Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023, over 45,800 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives as a result of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.