Israel-Hamas Swap Deal Nears Initial Phase, 33 Hostages to Be Released

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In a significant development toward easing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the first stage of a truce deal being negotiated in Qatar could result in the release of 33 Israeli hostages. Sources close to the talks and Israeli media confirmed the details on Tuesday.  

 

The negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, have gained momentum in recent days. According to a source briefed on the discussions, the “final round of talks” commenced in Doha on Tuesday. Two anonymous sources revealed to AFP that the initial exchange involves 33 Israeli hostages being freed in return for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.  

 

These hostages are among 94 individuals taken by Hamas during its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which triggered the ongoing conflict. The figure includes 34 hostages whom the Israeli military believes to be deceased. Reports by *The Times of Israel* indicated that the initial phase of the agreement prioritizes “humanitarian cases,” including children and women.  

 

One source explained that the agreement’s first stage stipulates the release of hostages in batches. Israeli officials, however, are awaiting confirmation of their current status. If successful, a second phase of negotiations would begin 16 days after the deal's implementation, focusing on the release of male soldiers, men of military age, and the retrieval of deceased hostages.  

 

Hamas has signaled its willingness to release 34 hostages as part of the initial phase of a broader, multi-stage arrangement. Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that the proposed deal allows Israel to maintain a buffer zone within Gaza during this phase. According to *Haaretz*, the Israeli military will not withdraw from Gaza until all hostages are freed but will permit the movement of residents from southern to northern Gaza.  

 

US President Joe Biden announced on Monday that a ceasefire and hostage release agreement was nearing completion, aligning with a three-phase truce plan he introduced in May. “In the war between Israel and Hamas, we’re on the brink of a proposal... finally coming to fruition,” Biden said during a farewell address at the State Department.  

 

Despite the progress, significant challenges remain. Key points of contention include the permanence of any ceasefire and the scale of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Talks in Qatar are being conducted with Israeli and Hamas representatives in separate rooms, according to insiders familiar with the process.  

 

As the deal inches closer, it offers a glimmer of hope in a conflict marked by devastation and loss, underscoring the delicate nature of diplomacy in achieving peace.

 

Based on a report by AFP | TOI 2024-01-15

 

 

[Bkk Brian]

The Hamas scum, who previously claimed they were killed in an Israeli air strike and are now not confirming if they are alive or dead but they are part of the deal in the first batch of hostages. 

 

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