In the latest development, Israel has agreed to a US proposal on an immediate cease-fire that would create a chance for a prisoner-hostage exchange. As the story breaks, Israel indicated that they would exchange 700 Palestinian prisoners for the release of 40 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
A senior Israeli official said that Israel is ready to make “significant compromises in order to return the abductees home.”
If this agreement is reached with Hamas, it is expected the release will be in phases; in the first stage, Hamas has proposed releasing the hostages who are women – including Israeli soldiers – elderly, sick and wounded.
