It remains unclear how many hostages, if any, will be released as part of the deal. A security source revealed last week that Israel is closer to reaching an agreement with Hamas than at any point in the past year. According to this source, the deal is largely "humanitarian," involving the release of hostages, a 42-day ceasefire, the freeing of certain prisoners, and significant concessions from Israel.
Hostage Dealofficial emphasized that while there would be costs to the agreement, they believe that after 42 days, Israel would be ready to resume military operations if necessary. The source also indicated that a hostage deal is likely to be reached before the new U.S. administration takes office in January.
In an official statement released today, Hamas expressed its interest in advancing negotiations for a ceasefire and a "genuine and complete" hostages-for-prisoners exchange. The statement followed Hezbollah's ceasefire agreement with Israel, marking a significant development in the regional conflict. Hamas praised Hezbollah’s support in the ongoing military campaign against Israel.
Hamas also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempts to alter the Middle Eastern balance of power, citing the agreement with Lebanon as evidence that Israel’s plans have faltered. The organization outlined its conditions for a ceasefire, which include the IDF's withdrawal from Gaza, the return of displaced residents, and a comprehensive prisoner exchange.
Hamas called on Arab, Islamic, and global powers to apply pressure on the U.S. and Israel to end what it termed "the war of annihilation."