Hamas says will release around 20 hostages in exchange for 6-week truce: Report

In the latest development from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, thePalestinian militant group is now ready to release up to 20 hostages in exchange for a six-week truce, the Times of Israel said citing Channel 12 reports.

The militant group is also seeking the release of Palestinian security prisoners in return.

According to the report, the militant group has also demanded an international guarantee in the first phase of the deal which would ensure that Israel halts the ongoing war and withdrawsIDF (Israel Defense Forces) from Gaza.

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They also seek the return of northern Gazans back to their respective homes.

An Israeli official, as per the report, said that the leader of the Palestinian militant group, Yahya Sinwar does not want an agreement and was seeking an escalation of conflict in the region.

'Hamas remains barrier to Gaza hostage deal,' says US

Meanwhile, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Monday (Apr 15) said that Israel has made significant progress in the truce deal.

However, he said that Hamas was the "barrier and the obstacle to a ceasefire in Gaza."

“There is an incredibly significant proposal that went from the United States and Egypt and Qatar and Israel to Hamas last week. And Israel moved in a significant way in submitting that proposal. And there's a deal on the table that would achieve much of what Hamas claims it wants to achieve. And they have not taken that deal," Miller told a press briefing.

“Hamas needs to take that deal and they need to explain to the world and to the Palestinian people why they aren't taking it. Because it is the Hamas, it is Hamas right now that is the barrier and the obstacle to a ceasefire in Gaza,” he added.

The United States is currently pursuing a deal that would allow a truce deal lasting at least six weeks and let more aid into Gaza, added Miller.

(With inputs from agencies)