Hostage deal could result in the release of 40 Israelis instead of 800 Palestinian prisoners

Protesters in Tel Aviv demand the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip Photo: AMIR LEVI/GETTY IMAGES

Hamas may release 40 Israelis hostages in exchange for the release of up to 800 Palestinian prisoners, it said Sunday evening.

Quoting government officials, Israeli media said the released prisoners could include hundreds serving life sentences for terrorist acts.

>< p>According to the Jerusalem Post, Israeli negotiators in Qatar signed an American compromise that specified the number of Palestinians to be released for every Israeli.

Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported that in the original draft, Hamas presented to the mediators proposed an initial 42-day ceasefire and then a permanent one.

The newspaper also reported that Hamas offered to release 50 Palestinians for every Israeli. hostage.

Israel initially called Hamas' demands «absurd.»

Previous brokered talks with Hamas broke down over the terror group's demand for a permanent ceasefire and its refusal to provide a list of prisoners it still holds.

Israel, which is committed to the complete destruction of Hamas, did not want to agree to a permanent cessation of hostilities.

However, negotiations resumed on March 15 after Hamas presented revised proposals, abandoning its demand for a cessation of hostilities. permanent ceasefire.

Israel responded by sending a delegation to Qatar to resume negotiations.

The Israeli government came under pressure from a group representing the families of the hostages, which called for a coalition led by Benjamin Netanyahu to accept deal.

More than 240 hostages were taken by Hamas on October 7 in a raid in which an estimated 1,200 people were killed.

The temporary truce has been delayed. More than 100 hostages were released last year. At least four died in captivity, and about 100 others are still in custody.

If confirmed, the agreement would provide for the release of hostages in batches.

The first tranche of about 40 people will be released women, including Israeli soldiers, as well as the elderly, sick and wounded.

The Telegraph has contacted the US State Department for comment.