In a significant development, Hamas has agreed to release 34 Israeli hostages as part of a “first phase” of a potential prisoner exchange deal. The decision comes amid ongoing indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, with Qatar, Egypt, and the United States acting as mediators. The talks have been underway for months, but the latest breakthrough coincides with the approaching inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, raising questions about whether his recent pressure played a role in the deal.
After his re-election in November, Trump warned of serious consequences for Hamas if they did not free the hostages by January 20, the day of his second presidential inauguration. As of January 6, it appears that Trump’s ultimatum may have had an impact on Hamas’s decision-making.
A Hamas official confirmed that the group was prepared to release 34 hostages, including women, children, elderly individuals, and sick captives, but needed a week to assess their condition before confirming the release. The hostages are part of a broader group of 251 Israeli captives taken during the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, which marked the beginning of the ongoing Gaza war.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has stated that Hamas has not yet provided a list of hostages for potential release, though indirect talks are continuing in Qatar. The discussions come as Israeli airstrikes continue to target militant sites in Gaza, and the toll from the conflict rises. The Israeli military reported killing at least 88 people in Gaza over the past 24 hours.
The recent breakthrough in negotiations raises speculation about whether Trump’s pressure on Hamas contributed to the resumption of talks and the initial hostage release agreement. While both Israel and Hamas have faced significant casualties in the ongoing conflict, the potential for a prisoner exchange deal provides a glimmer of hope for families affected by the war.
As the clock ticks toward Trump’s inauguration, the world watches closely to see whether further progress can be made in the tense and volatile negotiations between Hamas and Israel.
