Israel Agrees to Release Prisoners in Exchange for Hostages
Following a meeting with the Israeli delegation in Qatar, Israel has agreed to release between 700-800 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 40 Israeli hostages. Now it’s on Hamas and its leaders to agree to the conditions.
The release of the Palestinian prisoners would include people serving time for serious crimes, such as murder. It is unclear at this point if a ceasefire is also part of the deal. It was reported that the deal may have been hung up on Israel not allowing Palestinians to return to Northern Gaza, ‘without conditions’.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken paid a visit to Israel last week to express his dissatisfaction with the planned invasion of Rafah by the IDF stating, “It risks further isolating Israel around the world and jeopardizing its long-term security and standing”. Prime Minister Netanyahu did not appear swayed by Blinken’s visit, and remained intent on the Rafah IDF operation.
While Blinken may have been unsuccessful in persuading the Israeli’s to change their position on Rafah, it appears as though he may have persuaded Israel on a hostage deal. On it’s face, the prisoner-hostage exchange deal is less than proportional. But the stated goal for Israel has always been to get it’s hostages back, and this deal would allow for a good chunk to return home.
