The Palestinian militant organization Hamas on Tuesday said it has reached an agreement with Israel for the simultaneous release of more than 600 Palestinian prisoners by Israel and the return of four Israeli hostages’ bodies by Hamas.
The deal aims to break the deadlock that had threatened to derail the ceasefire agreement before its first phase is completed.
Hamas said the planned release of Palestinian prisoners — halted by Israel days earlier — would now take place alongside the handover of the bodies of Israeli hostages.
The group did not specify when the exchange would happen. There was initially no official confirmation from Israel.
However, several Israeli media outlets, citing Israeli officials, confirmed the agreement between the two warring parties announced by Hamas.
The Times of Israel, citing an official, reported that the release would be carried out through Egypt on Wednesday.
Early on Sunday, Israel halted the release of Palestinian prisoners outlined in the ceasefire deal, stating that Hamas must first guarantee an end to what it described as “humiliating ceremonies” surrounding the release of Israeli hostages.
The suspension affected more than 600 Palestinian prisoners who were set to be freed in exchange for six Israeli hostages.
