Hamas Ready to Release 34 Hostages Resulting from Negotiations with Israel, Here are the Facts Behind It

Kapanlagi.com - Tensions between Israel and Hamas have escalated again following an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip on Sunday (1/5/2025) that claimed the lives of at least 23 people. However, amid this increasingly dire situation, there is a glimmer of hope for a ceasefire. Hamas announced its readiness to release 34 Israeli hostages as a "first stage" of a potential agreement.

The release of these hostages is the result of indirect negotiations involving mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. This process has been taking place in Qatar and represents the latest effort to end the conflict that has raged for 15 months. This news brings new hope amidst the long suffering that has claimed many lives.

During this 15-month period, there has only been one ceasefire, which was a one-week pause in November 2023, resulting in the release of 80 Israeli hostages and 240 Palestinians from Israeli prisons. Now, with the reopening of negotiation channels and Hamas's willingness to release hostages, a big question arises: will peace finally be realized?

However, behind this release plan, there are several important facts that need to be noted. The release of these 34 hostages is only the "first stage" of a larger exchange with Israel, and Hamas still holds a number of other Israeli hostages whose fates remain uncertain. In addition, there is conflicting information between Hamas and Israel regarding the list of hostages to be released.

Despite facing various challenges, these negotiation efforts remain a crucial step in the search for a peaceful solution to the protracted conflict between Israel and Palestine.

1. Ceasefire Negotiations Resume

After months of stagnation, new hope has emerged in the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, which are being held again in Qatar. Mediation involving Qatar, Egypt, and the United States aims to end the conflict that has been raging since October 7, 2023. Israel has expressed its willingness to continue negotiations, while Hamas announced its commitment to release 34 Israeli prisoners as a first step in a prisoner exchange.

This moment becomes increasingly crucial, as it takes place just days before the inauguration of a new president of the United States on January 20, which could potentially change the political landscape of the Middle East and affect the resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Thus, these negotiations represent a golden opportunity to reach an agreement before the global situation becomes more complicated.

2. Hamas Ready to Release 34 Hostages

In a step towards a possible agreement, Hamas announced their readiness to release 34 Israeli hostages. A Hamas representative stated, "We agree to release 34 prisoners from the list submitted by Israel as part of the first stage of the prisoner exchange."

However, they require time to ensure readiness in this release process. Sources from Hamas revealed that the initial exchange will involve all women, children, and sick prisoners in Gaza.

"We are ready to release 34 prisoners, both those who are alive and those who have already died, but it will take about a week to communicate with the kidnappers and identify the status of the hostages," the source added.

3. Differences in Information between Hamas and Israel

Although Hamas has expressed its intention to release 34 hostages, tensions have arisen due to differences in information regarding the list of names to be released between Hamas and Israel. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office emphasized that until now, Hamas has not submitted the list of names, indicating that there are still technical details to be resolved in these negotiations.

This discrepancy in information could be a stumbling block in reaching a final agreement, so both parties are expected to engage in more intensive and transparent communication. Clarity regarding who will be released is crucial to building trust and preventing misunderstandings that could derail the hostage release process.

4. Israeli Aggression in Gaza

In the midst of ongoing diplomatic efforts, Israel launched deadly airstrikes in Gaza on Sunday (1/5/2025), claiming the lives of at least 23 Palestinians and adding to the tragic list of casualties in the unending conflict.

Since October 7, 2023, Israeli military aggression has claimed more than 45,805 lives and injured 109,064 people, raising doubts about Israel's intentions to achieve a ceasefire. Although Israel has indicated a willingness to continue negotiations, the ongoing attacks raise a significant question: is this a strategy to pressure Hamas or a step that will actually hinder the long-awaited peace?

5. Challenges Towards a Ceasefire

Although the release of 34 hostages is a positive signal, the path towards a permanent ceasefire still faces various complex obstacles. Amid differing information regarding the list of hostages, several crucial issues such as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, security guarantees for Palestinians, and the opening of the Gaza blockade still need to be addressed in negotiations.

To reach a comprehensive and sustainable agreement, both parties are required to demonstrate commitment and flexibility. Without strong political will from each side, this effort risks becoming merely a temporary solution, far from the hope for true peace.

6. How many hostages will Hamas release?

Hamas has announced their bold step to prepare for the release of 34 Israeli hostages as a "first stage" in a hopeful exchange agreement.

7. Who are the mediators in the ceasefire negotiations?

Ceasefire negotiations are underway, involving the crucial roles of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States as mediators.

8. Is this the first time Hamas has released Israeli hostages?

In November 2023, the world witnessed a shocking moment when Hamas announced the release of 80 Israeli hostages as part of a ceasefire that lasted for one week.

9. What are the crucial issues that need to be discussed in the negotiations?

In increasingly urgent discussions, several important issues have surfaced, such as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, which is a major focus, security guarantees that must be provided to the Palestinian people, and hopes for the opening of the Gaza blockade that has long complicated their daily lives.

10. Will a permanent ceasefire be achieved?

The success of achieving a permanent ceasefire greatly depends on the extent to which both parties can demonstrate a strong commitment and flexibility in engaging in dialogue to find mutually beneficial peaceful solutions.

(kpl/srr)