The armed wing of Hamas, al-Qassam Brigades, has informed Qatari mediators that it is prepared to release around 70 Israeli hostages, mostly women and children, held in Gaza in exchange for a five-day truce with Israel, Reuters reports.
Al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Ubaida stated in an audio recording that the proposed truce seeks a complete ceasefire and humanitarian aid access throughout the Gaza Strip.
Hamas claims that Qatari efforts were made last week for the release of Israeli captives in exchange for the freedom of 200 Palestinian children and 75 women held by Israel.
Approximately 240 Israeli hostages were taken during Hamas’ surprise attack against Israel on October 7, which killed some 1,400 people.
