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Hamas has said it has agreed to release ten living hostages being held captive by the terror group and return the bodies of 18 others.
The militant group declared through a statement on Saturday its intention to act, contingent upon the condition that a specific number of Palestinian detainees are released in return, aiming to establish a lasting ceasefire.
Hamas said the agreement comes after a proposal by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who has yet to comment publicly on the Hamas statement.
Relatives and advocates for Israeli hostages detained in the Gaza Strip since the October 7 incident in southern Israel display their portraits during a demonstration at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on May 28, 2025, commemorating 600 days of captivity and calling for their freedom and the cessation of hostilities. (AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images)
“After completing a series of national deliberations and driven by our profound sense of duty towards our people and their hardships, the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) has today communicated its response to the latest proposal by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to the mediating parties,” the statement declares.
“This proposal aims to achieve a permanent ceasefire, a comprehensive withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and ensure the flow of aid to our people and our families in the Gaza Strip.”
Hamas is holding 58 hostages in Gaza. Of these, Israeli intelligence assesses that at least 34 are deceased, leaving approximately 24 believed to be alive.
“As part of this agreement, ten living prisoners of the occupation held by the resistance will be released, in addition to the return of 18 bodies, in exchange for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners,” Hamas said.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
