Hamas says it does not have 40 hostages for cease-fire deal

New details have emerged from cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, with Hamas stating it cannot meet the initial deal to release 40 hostages, raising concerns about the number of captives still alive. Israel believes that of the 130 hostages remaining, at least 30 are dead, and the rest are likely held by various factions within Hamas.

During a proposed six-week cease-fire, negotiators have recommended that Hamas release 40 hostages, prioritizing women, and sick and elderly men, in exchange for Israel freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

CIA Director Bill Burns reportedly suggested a deal where Hamas would release 40 hostages for Israel freeing Palestinian prisoners. President Biden has urged Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to push for a resolution, emphasizing the need for action amid the Gaza humanitarian crisis. Negotiations are underway in Cairo, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, with Hamas’s leadership.

Bassem Naeem, Hamas’s director of international relations, stated he lacks details on the exact number of hostages but mentioned the group is formulating a response to the new proposal.

As Hamas faces difficulties in meeting the criteria for releasing 40 women and elderly men, Israel is pressing for the inclusion of younger male hostages and soldiers to complete the initial release group.

Most of the nearly 100 remaining hostages believed to be alive are thought to be male IDF soldiers or men of military reserve age. According to CNN, Hamas aims to leverage them in future negotiations for more significant concessions, including the release of high-level prisoners and a permanent ceasefire.

A November cease-fire resulted in Hamas releasing over 100 captives, including Israeli women, children, and foreigners.