Hamas Ready For Negotiations As Ceasefire Nears End

Freed Palestinian prisoners wave from a bus as they arrive in the Gaza Strip after being released from an Israeli prison following a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, Gaza S

Hamas has expressed readiness to negotiate the next phase of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip following a recent swap. The swap involved Hamas handing over what it claimed to be the remains of four hostages in exchange for the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. This exchange marked the final agreed-upon swap as part of the current truce set to expire soon. Negotiations for a second phase, where Hamas would release more hostages in exchange for prisoners and a lasting ceasefire, have yet to commence.

Hamas emphasized that negotiations are the only way for Israel to secure the release of the remaining hostages and urged adherence to the agreement. The group cautioned that any deviation from the truce would lead to further suffering for the captives and their families.

600+ Palestinian prisoners released in exchange for hostages' remains.

Hamas ready for ceasefire negotiations post-prisoner swap.

Second phase negotiations yet to begin for further hostage-prisoner swaps.

Israel urged to adhere to agreement for remaining hostages' release.

Prisoners welcomed joyfully upon return to Gaza and West Bank.

Israel initially delayed release due to Hamas' hostage parading.

Ceasefire brokered by U.S., Egypt, and Qatar to end 15-month war.

Efforts underway to move into negotiations for ceasefire's second phase.

Netanyahu vows to secure all hostages' release and dismantle Hamas.

Over 600 prisoners were released overnight, with most being detainees returned to Gaza. The released prisoners, including some serving life sentences for attacks against Israelis, were welcomed with joy upon their return to Gaza and the West Bank.

Israel had initially delayed the prisoner release due to Hamas' practice of parading hostages during handovers, which was deemed humiliating. However, the final handover of four bodies to the Red Cross was conducted without a public ceremony.

The recent exchange was the last planned under the ceasefire's first phase, which saw Hamas returning hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire, brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, aimed to end a 15-month war that resulted in significant casualties and displacement in Gaza.

As the ceasefire's first phase nears its end, efforts are underway to move into negotiations for the second phase. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to secure the release of all hostages and dismantle Hamas' capabilities, while Hamas is unlikely to release remaining hostages without a lasting ceasefire.

The conflict has taken a heavy toll on Gaza, with thousands killed, infrastructure destroyed, and a large portion of the population displaced. The path forward remains uncertain as both sides navigate the complexities of the ceasefire agreement and the broader peace process.

For more updates on the situation, visit AP's war coverage.