Hostage release deal, Hamas prisoner exchange

In Exchange for 5 Observers: This Is the Number of Terrorists to Be Released

Report: In the first phase of the American proposal, this is the number of terrorists to be released in exchange for 5 observers. Details from the American hostage release proposal were revealed last night (Monday), indicating that in the first phase of the deal, 150 life-sentenced terrorists will be released in exchange for 5 observers.

08/20/2024, 19:11

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Families of Israeli observation soldiers kidnapped from Nahal Oz surveillance outpost on October 7, speak to press in Tel Aviv — Photo by Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90

The list of the 150 will be based on seniority in prison, and Israel will have the right to veto 65 of them, as reported by Barak Ravid.

It is worth noting that last night, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a press conference at the Kempinski Hotel in Tel Aviv, where he discussed the summary of his brief visit to Israel amid ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage deal. He mentioned that in his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu "confirmed that Israel accepts the mediation proposal" presented by the U.S. at the Doha summit, "and now Hamas needs to do the same."

Blinken added that "the second goal is to advance efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. This is the best way to bring the hostages home, secure a ceasefire that protects Israel's security interests, and provide additional humanitarian aid to Gaza."