Israel's Approval of Prisoner-Hostage Exchange Pending Hamas' Decision, Confirms CNN Source
Reports indicate that Israel has given the green light to a proposed exchange involving the release of 700 Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life sentences for fatal attacks on Israelis, in return for 40 Israeli hostages. The news was disclosed by CNN affiliate Kan News, referencing a high-ranking Israeli source awaiting Hamas' response.
Israel has agreed to a proposal from the US for a prisoner-hostage exchange. The agreement would involve the release of approximately 700 Palestinian prisoners, including 100 who are serving life sentences for the killing of Israeli nationals. In return, 40 Israeli hostages would be released, as reported by CNN affiliate Kan News, citing a senior Israeli official.
Over the weekend, CNN analyst Barak Ravid, referring to an unnamed Israeli official, mentioned on Twitter that Israel has accepted a US "bridging proposal" concerning the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released for each hostage held by Hamas.
Israel has agreed to the proposal made by CIA Director Bill Burns as reported by Ravid. Burns was in Doha, Qatar, where discussions between Hamas and Israel are taking place with the help of mediators. The delegations are currently awaiting a response from Hamas, as mentioned by Ravid.
A diplomatic source informed CNN that Ravid's information is accurate, but there are still some unresolved issues, such as the entry of aid and "Israeli military repositioning" in Gaza.
CNN has contacted Israeli officials and Hamas to inquire about the progress of the talks.
Hamas recently proposed the release of 700 to 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel called these demands “ridiculous” and “absurd.” According to Kan News, Israel is willing to make significant compromises to bring the abductees back home.
In the first phase of the agreement, Hamas has suggested releasing around 40 hostages who are women, elderly, sick, or wounded. This includes Israeli soldiers among others, out of the approximately 100 hostages still alive.
Mossad Director David Barnea and a high-level Israeli security team have visited Doha twice this week for discussions.
This story has been updated with additional developments.
CNN’s Abel Alvarado contributed to this report.
Editor's P/S:
This prisoner-hostage exchange proposal offers a glimmer of hope for resolving the longstanding conflict between Israel and Hamas. The release of 700 Palestinian prisoners, including
