Hamas Says Ceasefire on Track After Breakthrough in Hostage–Prisoner Deadlock
Hamas and Israel have reached an agreement to exchange the bodies of four Israeli hostages for the release of 602 Palestinian security prisoners, effectively ending a deadlock that threatened to derail the multiphase ceasefire deal. According to a statement by Hamas, the agreement resolves the issue of delayed prisoner releases, with the freed prisoners—including an equivalent number of Palestinian women and children—set to be released simultaneously with the transfer of the hostages’ bodies during the first phase of the deal.
An Israeli official confirmed that the exchange will be carried out via Egypt on Wednesday, although some sources indicate it may occur on Thursday. Israel had previously postponed the release scheduled for Saturday, citing Hamas’ violations during the return of the Bibas family remains and its use of propaganda ceremonies during earlier hostage releases.
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Hamas stated that its delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, secured the deal during meetings in Cairo with Egyptian officials, reaffirming its commitment to full and precise adherence to all terms and stages of the agreement. The deal comes as part of a three-stage ceasefire reached last month following the October 7, 2023 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages.
Under the agreement, if the first phase—set to conclude on Saturday—fails to see another round of hostage releases by next Saturday (March 8), Israel has warned it may consider the ceasefire terminated. Meanwhile, US special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Israel soon to help pave the way for subsequent negotiations, as both sides navigate a fragile balance between preventing further conflict and meeting their respective demands.
