Hamas delegation to discuss prisoner exchange proposal in Egyptian talks, source tells Anadolu

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) - A Hamas delegation is set to visit Cairo later this week for talks with Egyptian officials on a proposed prisoner exchange deal, a Palestinian source told Anadolu on Tuesday.

The proposal offered to Hamas that was reached in Paris between Israel, Egypt, Qatar and the US, includes a three-staged exchange of prisoners and a cease-fire for several weeks, according to the source, who preferred anonymity.

The first stage involves releasing 30 Israeli civilian prisoners held in Gaza, including the elderly and women. The second has the release of captured soldiers.

As for the third stage, it will involve handing over the bodies of Israelis hostages killed in Gaza, according to the source.

Regarding the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, the source noted that there is no clear number but it ranges from 100 to 200 for each Israeli prisoner, to be agreed upon in the three stages.

The source confirmed that the number of Palestinian prisoners included in the second batch will be greater than the number in the first, considering that the second stage will include releasing Israeli soldiers held by Hamas.

At the conclusion of negotiations, Hamas will respond to the Egyptian side, the source added, suggesting that this is likely to occur by the end of the weekend.

The Palestinian group confirmed Tuesday it has received a proposal reached Sunday in a Paris summit between Israel, Qatar, Egypt and the US for a cease-fire deal and hostage swap with Israel.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio