Hamas claims it will release 70 hostages in exchange for 5-day ceasefire

Hamas reportedly said on Monday that it has asked Israel for a five-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of 70 Israeli hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu turned down the prospect of a ceasefire earlier this month.

The announcement concerning the potential ceasefire was made by Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for al-Qassam Brigades. Ubaida went on to say that negotiations are still taking place with Qatari mediators, according to Business Insider.

The truce that has been offered should "include a complete ceasefire and allow aid and humanitarian relief everywhere in the Gaza Strip," Ubaida said.

"Last week there was an effort from the Qatari brothers to release the enemy captives from women and children, in return for the release of 200 Palestinian children and 75 women detained by the enemy."

Approximately 240 hostages were taken by Hamas terrorists during a surprise attack against Israel on October 7. Hamas also slaughtered between 1,200 and 1,400 Jews in a single day.

Hamas released four hostages last month, and the IDF released another. However, there are still well over 230 hostages still being held captive by Hamas.

Despite Israel's previous rejection of a five-day ceasefire in exchange for hostages, the New York Post reported that the two sides are getting close to a deal that might see 70 hostages released. The announcement could be announced in just a matter of days.

A high-ranking Israeli official told the Washington Post that "the general outline of the deal is understood," adding that Israel had asked for all 100 women and children to be released. However, it is not expected that Hamas will honor the request.

The precise location of all the hostages is not clear, as multiple groups may be holding a number of hostages. However, Hamas has the authority to release any number of them at any time, per the Post.

A group known as the Palestinian Islamic Jihad is thought to have about 35 hostages, and a militia group known as the "shabiha" is also believed to be holding an unknown number of hostages.

Israel has insisted that those living in the northern part of the Strip make their way to the south, as the conflict continues on.

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