Hamas ready to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for peace in Gaza Awaits Tel Aviv’s response / UPDATED

The Palestinian movement Hamas has announced its readiness to release all hostages held in the Gaza Strip as part of a comprehensive deal with Israel, according to a declaration published on the organisation’s Telegram channel. 

“Hamas confirms that it is ready to move forward with the implementation of a comprehensive agreement under which it will release all hostages in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners," the declaration read, Caliber.Az reports.

Hamas said that the mentioned agreement must also include an end to the war in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave. 

The announcement comes amid Israel’s preparations for an operation to capture the city of Gaza. On the evening of September 3, Hamas indicated its willingness to discuss a comprehensive agreement that would ensure the return of all hostages and cessation of hostilities, MİG News say.

According to the statement, Hamas is awaiting a response from Israel to a proposal submitted via mediators on August 18, which Hamas and other Palestinian factions had agreed upon.

“In this context, the Movement reiterates its readiness to implement a comprehensive agreement under which all enemy captives will be released in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian detainees held by the occupying authorities, within an arrangement that ends the war in Gaza, removes all occupation forces from the territory, opens crossings for all needs, and initiates a reconstruction process,” the declaration said.

The announcement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for Hamas to immediately release 20 Israeli hostages in exchange for an immediate ceasefire.

By Khagan Isayev