Reuters: Hamas is prepared to release 34 Israeli hostages.

A representative of HAMAS noted in a conversation that the implementation of the deal is only possible if an agreement is reached on the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip. The group also aims for a complete cessation of hostilities rather than a temporary ceasefire.

On December 25, HAMAS accused Israel of introducing new conditions related to the withdrawal of troops, the ceasefire, and the exchange of hostages. In response, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that it is the actions of HAMAS that hinder reaching agreements, as the movement refuses to comply with previously agreed terms.

According to Israeli publication Ynet, the parties have already agreed on the main details of the agreement, but a key contentious issue remains the number of hostages that HAMAS will release in the first stage.

• During the attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, the HAMAS group took more than 250 people hostage. Some of them were released during negotiations. According to Israel, 101 hostages remain in Gaza, of which 51 are alive. There has been no progress in negotiations with jihadists regarding the release of the captured individuals in recent months.