Gaza (Web Desk): Hamas has proposed a plan to release all hostages held in Gaza in a single exchange, contingent on a lasting ceasefire agreement and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the region.
In a statement made on Wednesday, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem detailed the group's vision for the next phase of the ceasefire arrangement, emphasizing the importance of both a full prisoner swap and the complete departure of Israeli troops.
"We are ready for the next stage, where all the detainees will be freed in one go, in line with a deal that secures a permanent ceasefire and the full Israeli pullout," Qassem said.
At the same time, Hamas firmly rejected Israel’s demand for the group's disarmament and departure from Gaza. Qassem dismissed the Israeli demand as part of a psychological tactic, labeling it unrealistic.
"The notion of expelling Hamas from Gaza or disarming the resistance is completely unacceptable," he stated.
Meanwhile, Hamas increased the number of captives to be released in the upcoming prisoner swap from three to six, a decision that was confirmed by Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya.
The change was made to expedite the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. "We agreed to double the number of prisoners being freed as a sign of our commitment to fulfilling the terms of the deal," Qassem explained.
The proposal comes in the wake of criticism from US President Donald Trump, who voiced opposition to the gradual release of captives, and following calls from the families of those still held in Gaza, urging for all hostages to be freed at once.
Hamas' move to accelerate the process also appeared to coincide with Israel's approval of the entry of essential supplies like mobile homes and construction materials into Gaza.
However, Israel has continued to block vital border crossings, limiting access to critical aid and reconstruction materials.
Hamas has warned that any delay in the entry of such supplies, along with continued attacks on Palestinian communities, could lead to a hold-up in the agreed release of captives.
The ongoing conflict has led to devastating human tolls, with Gaza’s Ministry of Health reporting over 48,000 deaths and more than 111,000 injuries due to Israeli military actions.
Meanwhile, Gaza's Government Media Office updated its casualty figures to at least 61,000 deaths, with thousands still missing under the rubble.
According to a joint report by the World Bank (WB), the United Nations (UN), and the European Union (EU), rebuilding Gaza is expected to cost around $53 billion, with housing alone accounting for $15 billion of the total.
