Israel and Hamas Begin Prisoner Swap as Ceasefire Takes Effect
Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners early on Monday as part of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, just hours after three Israeli hostages were returned to Israel
Amidst intensifying efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages in Gaza, Hamas, the Islamist movement, has rebuffed a recent proposal mediated by Israel, labeling it as unacceptable. Despite this stance, Hamas indicates its willingness to scrutinize the terms of the proposal as diplomatic initiatives gain momentum, particularly with heightened engagement from the United States.
Reports from "Reuters" underscore Hamas's rejection of the truce proposal, even as discussions persist. The proposal, which aims to quell hostilities and address the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, hinges on the release of approximately 40 Israeli prisoners held in Gaza. In return, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including individuals convicted of lethal attacks, would be released.
The protracted conflict, spanning six months, has exacted a heavy toll on Gaza's civilian population, exacerbating an already precarious humanitarian situation. Against this backdrop, diplomatic channels have been active in seeking a resolution to the crisis, with the involvement of mediators and international stakeholders.
As negotiations unfold, there are indications of a potential compromise proposal from the United States, as reported by the "Wall Street Journal." Such developments underscore the urgency of finding a viable pathway towards de-escalation and restoring stability in the region.
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