No Hamas-Israel deal yet on Gaza cease-fire, prisoner swap: Palestinian source

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) - A Palestinian source has denied reports about reaching a cease-fire deal and prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel.

“No initial or final agreement has been reached regarding a prisoner exchange or a cease-fire in Gaza,” the source told Anadolu on Wednesday, requesting anonymity.

“Negotiations are still ongoing,” the source said. “Hamas demands a deal that ends the Israeli war and allows the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.”

Western media earlier reported that Hamas and Israel have come to terms on swapping prisoners during a month-long pause in fighting.

There was no comment from Hamas or Israel on the reports.

The Palestinian source said Hamas is still studying proposals for a prisoner swap with Israel.

“Hamas has not yet given a final response,” he said. “The two sides are close to agreeing on some points, but this does not mean we have an agreement.”

Giving details about the proposed cease-fire deal, the Palestinian source said it includes an exchange of prisoners during a month-long pause in fighting.

“After this, the two sides can enter into a comprehensive cessation of war,” he added.

The source expects that Hamas will reject this proposed deal “if there are no real guarantees that the war will stop completely after the end of the month.”

The Israeli public broadcaster KAN, citing an official, earlier said that there was no progress in indirect talks with Hamas regarding a prisoner swap with Hamas.

Hamas is believed to be holding nearly 136 Israelis following its cross-border attack on Oct. 7.

Israel has since launched a deadly offensive against the Gaza Strip, killing at least 25,700 Palestinians and injuring 63,740 others. Nearly 1,200 Israelis are believed to have been killed in the Hamas attack.

Mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the US have so far failed to secure the release of another group of hostages as Hamas demands an end to Israel’s deadly offensive against Gaza.

A deal in November saw the release of 81 Israelis and 24 foreigners in exchange for 240 Palestinians, including 71 women and 169 children.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar