Hamas prepares for Israeli release of Palestinian prisoners

Hamas is preparing for the possible release of Palestinian prisoners in light of reports of significant progress in negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire.

“We renew our promise to our steadfast, patient people and to our heroic prisoners in the jails and affirm that their freedom will soon be achieved,’’ Hamas said on Monday.

Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, said at a meeting in Jerusalem with his Danish counterpart Lars Løkke Rasmussen that he had informed him of progress in the indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Qatar.

“Israel wants the release of the hostages very much and is working hard to get a deal.

“We will soon know if the other side also wants a deal. We hope to see progress in the near future,’’ Saar said, according to his office.

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The talks in Doha focused on the release of Palestinian prisoners in return for the hostages held in Hamas’s custody and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.

Hamas had released 105 hostages during a temporary ceasefire at the end of November 2023.

In return, Israel had also released 240 Palestinian prisoners from its jails.