Hamas has agreed to release five living Israeli hostages in exchange for a 50-day ceasefire. The militant group made the announcement after receiving a proposal from Egypt and Qatar, according to Reuters.
The deal comes amid a truce negotiation process between Egypt, Qatar, and Hamas in Doha. However, Israel is not actively participating in these talks. The Israeli government insists on the release of all 24 remaining hostages believed to still be alive in Gaza.
In exchange for the hostage release, Israel is expected to free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’s chief, said that releasing the hostages was a positive outcome after receiving a proposal from Egypt and Qatar.
Al-Hayya emphasized that Hamas’s weapons are a “red line” and will not disarm as long as Israel occupies Gaza. The release comes amid a recent escalation of violence in the region, with over 921 people killed in renewed military operations by Israel.
The news follows reports of an Israeli hostage being released by Hamas’s armed wing in a video appeal for his freedom. The footage shows the hostage, Elkana Bohbot, pleading to be reunited with his family and warning that bombardment could cost him his life.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/29/hamas-reportedly-agrees-to-release-five-living-israeli-hostages-to-get-ceasefire