Israel has offered to release between 700 to 800 Palestinian prisoners, including 100 criminals convicted of murder, in exchange for 40 hostages in Gaza, according to Israeli media outlets.
After bashing such an exchange as “unrealistic” a few weeks ago, the Jewish State offered up hundreds of incarcerated Palestinians in an effort to free Israeli women, children, elderly and sick who were taken captive by Hamas on Oct. 7, the Times of Israel reports.
Several outlets, including Channel 12, suggest at least 700 prisoners could be included in the exchange, including dozens who are serving life sentences for killing Israelis.
Along with the exchange, Israel is also said to be willing to discuss allowing Palestinian refugees to return to the war-torn northern half of the Gaza Strip, according to the local outlets.
Despite the concessions , Israeli officials are reportedly ruling out any deal that calls for the complete withdrawal of the Israeli military from Gaza, one of Hamas’ key demands.
Hamas is expected to take a few days to go over the deal before its delegation in Cairo and Gaza make a decision.
