Hamas has reportedly approved an Israeli list of 34 hostages to be exchanged in a potential ceasefire agreement, according to a source citing a Hamas official. The Israeli government, however, denied receiving such a list from Hamas but did not directly address the specifics of the report.
The release of these hostages is said to be contingent upon reaching a consensus on Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a lasting ceasefire. Negotiations between Israel and Hamas are ongoing to determine the number and identities of Palestinian prisoners who would be released in exchange for the hostages.
While the report indicated that the list was presented by Israel, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has expressed skepticism, stating that Hamas has not yet provided a list of hostages.
It remains unclear which hostages are included in the reported list or whether they are alive or deceased. Recent statements from Israel suggest that a comprehensive list of living hostages from the militant group has not been received.
These developments come amid renewed indirect talks for a potential ceasefire-for-hostages deal in Doha, with limited progress reported by Israeli and Egyptian officials. In a recent move to intensify pressure on Israel during negotiations, Hamas released a video featuring 19-year-old hostage Liri Albag, prompting an emotional plea from the hostage's family to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pursue a ceasefire agreement.
Efforts to gather comments from Hamas and the families of the hostages are ongoing. As of December 5, Hamas was reportedly holding 100 hostages in Gaza, with the majority abducted during attacks on Israel in October 2023. Tragically, at least 36 of these hostages are believed to have lost their lives, as confirmed by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.
