Israel ready to release over 700 Palestinians – media

Israel has agreed to release between 700 and 800 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 40 hostages still held by Hamas, Israeli media reported on Sunday, citing officials familiar with the matter. If successful, the swap would be part of a potential US-brokered ceasefire deal aimed at suspending the fighting between Israel and the Gaza-based armed group, which has entered its fifth month.

According to Channel 12 and news website Walla, the group of prisoners Israel is willing to release includes 100 inmates convicted of murder. An unnamed Israeli official, who spoke to the Times of Israel, was more cautious, saying “Right now, we’re feeling 50/50 about the chances for a deal.”

Israel is also reportedly ready to discuss permitting Palestinian refugees to return to the northern part of Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously rejected a proposal by Hamas for a truce and prisoner exchange, insisting that the Israel Defense Forces are determined to eradicate the militant group’s presence in Gaza.

An Israeli delegation reportedly met with CIA Director William Burns in Qatar on Saturday as part of US attempts to persuade the IDF to halt its offensive on Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, which is overcrowded with refugees.

An unnamed Israeli official told Reuters after the meeting that there were still “significant gaps” in the negotiations, particularly regarding the proposed ratio of Israelis and Palestinians involved in the potential swap. Hamas is yet to respond to the proposal.

Israel declared war on Hamas on October 7, after the militants carried out a cross-border raid, killing more than 1,100 people and taking at least 250 hostages. Dozens of captives were subsequently freed through a series of swaps, during a weeklong truce in November. Around 130 hostages are still being held in Gaza, according to Israeli officials.

More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s bombing of Gaza and ground operation since October 7, according to the Hamas-run health service.