Jerusalem: With the first phase of the ceasefire-hostage agreement being negotiated in Doha about the Gaza situation, Hamas may free at least 33 hostages in the first phase. Even as Israel believes that some of the hostages might be alive, Hamas may have also included some deceased in the list.
According to CNN, Hamas and its allies continue to hold 94 hostages. Among them 34 are believed to be dead after October 7, 2023, attacks in, which Hamas killed over 250 Israeli civilians and took thousands in hostage.
The release will mark the first stage of the agreement
The release will mark the first stage of the agreement as negotiations for the second phase are all set to begin soon. Among the latest proposals for talks include Israeli forces which maintain a presence on Philadelphi Corridor near the Egypt-Gaza border. Notably, while Hamas wants 300-500 meters from the border, Israel is looking at a 2,000-metre zone in Gaza.
The plan also includes the return of northern Gaza return but after unspecified security measures are placed Palestinian prisoners believed to be behind the Israeli citizens would not be released into the West Bank. They will however be released to to Gaza or other countries, the channel added further.
A major breakthrough took place last week
The breakthrough reportedly took place on Sunday after a meeting was held between Israeli Mossad Director David Barnea and mediators in Doha. As per officials, while an agreement could be reached soon, it has to first be cleared in Israel. The latest development has led to optimism in among the families of hostages. However the forum for the missing families has reiterated its commitment to bring all hostages at home.
