Prisoner exchange claim on Israeli state television

Speaking on KAN, analyst Roi Sharon stated that the Tel Aviv administration “accepted Hamas’ demands and is waiting for the other party’s response” regarding the prisoner exchange.

“We are now in critical hours as we are closer than ever to reaching an agreement,” Sharon said, adding:

“Recently, Hamas presented an offer to Israel and an agreement was reached in Israel to accept Hamas’ conditions and demands. The ball is now in Hamas’s court, and Hamas really needs to show responsibility and seriousness. “If he responds positively, we will have reached a verifiable agreement.”

US President Joe Biden also stated in his statement that “a prisoner exchange agreement is close.”

‘HOSTAGE’ STATEMENTS BY ISRAEL AND HAMAS

Hamas, which has been in conflict with Israel since October 7, has frequently raised the need for a deal over the hostages it is holding. While the organization stated that this agreement should also include a ceasefire, Tel Aviv strongly opposed an agreement that included a ceasefire. Israeli officials, especially Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, made statements rejecting a ceasefire, stating that “the war will continue until Hamas is destroyed.”

Meanwhile, tensions are rising within Israel. People whose families have been captured and their supporters frequently organize demonstrations to call for a deal and demand that the government answer questions about why a deal has not been reached.

Hamas is said to be holding 239 Israeli hostages. However, the organization makes statements stating that “some prisoners died in Israeli attacks.” (AA-REUTERS)