A Hamas official said on Sunday (Jan 5) that the Palestinian militant group was ready to release 34 hostages in the “first phase” of a potential prisoner exchange deal with Israel.

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The statement follows Israel's confirmation that indirect talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have resumed in Doha to negotiate a truce and hostage release.

Also read | Israel warns of action if Hezbollah breaks ceasefire; Mossad chief to visit Qatar for 'decisive' hostage talks

Hostage release imminent

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The Hamas official, speaking anonymously, revealed that the first phase of the agreement would involve the release of women, children, the elderly and the sick from among the hostages. 

“Hamas has agreed to release 34 Israeli prisoners from a list presented by Israel as part of the first phase of a prisoner exchange deal.”

Also read | Dozens dead in Gaza as Israel hits 100 terror targets in 2 days

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However, the group stated it would require a week of calm to determine the condition of the captives, “alive or dead”.  

“Hamas has agreed to release the 34 prisoners, whether alive or dead,” said the official. 

“However, the group needs a week of calm to communicate with the captors and identify those who are alive and those who are dead.”

Also read | UN accuses Israel of 'flagrant violation' of ceasefire as Hezbollah warns patience running out

According to Israel's military, 34 hostages, among the 96 still held in Gaza, are presumed dead. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office indicated that Hamas has not yet provided a list of hostages for potential release.

Meanwhile in Israel, Defence Minister Israel Katz assured relatives of a hostage on Saturday that “Efforts are underway to free the hostages, notably the Israeli delegation which left yesterday (Friday) for negotiations in Qatar.”

Also read | Hamas releases video of teen Israeli hostage held in Gaza urging Netanyahu's govt to secure release

Oct 7 attack and the casualties to date  

The conflict started with the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, on Israel, which resulted in 1,208 fatalities, mostly civilians.

Israel's retaliatory military campaign has since killed 45,805 people in Gaza, with the majority reported as civilians, according to Gaza's health ministry and the United Nations.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.