Hamas to release 20 living hostages at once as part of Gaza deal, Arab media report

Hamas would also be willing to “freeze” weapons, but not completely disarm, according to Arab media, citing the Egyptian Intelligence Bureau.

Hamas has agreed to jointly release all living hostages and delay the release of the remains of the deceased hostages once a deal is reached in Egypt, Al Jazeera reported Wednesday evening, citing a senior Palestinian source.

A Palestinian source later told al-Araby al-Jadeed that the remaining 20 living hostages would be released in one batch during the first phase of the deal.

This comes as a new round of negotiations in Egypt draws to a close, the Qatari media outlet added. The negotiators reportedly discussed lists of prisoners to be released and guarantees to prevent the resumption of fighting after the release of the hostages.

Hamas would also be willing to “freeze” weapons, but not completely disarm, according to Arab media, citing the Egyptian Intelligence Bureau.

The Palestinian terror group also reportedly said it would not hand over its weapons to non-Arab proxies.

Hamas says prisoner lists were exchanged during negotiations with Egypt

This comes after Hamas confirmed on Wednesday that lists of prisoners had been exchanged as part of ongoing indirect talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement.

The negotiations, according to a statement from the group, focus on three main points: the end of the war, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and the exchange of prisoners.

Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said his delegation had “demonstrated the necessary positivity and responsibility” to advance efforts toward a deal.

Hamas also reportedly demanded “written and non-verbal guarantees” of Israel’s commitment to the proposed ceasefire agreement.

Amichai Stein contributed to this report.