Israel Agrees to U.S.-Brokered Deal to Swap Prisoners for Hostages with Hamas

The agreement, still pending Hamas's approval, could release 40 Israeli hostages in exchange for up to 800 Palestinian prisoners.

Israel has agreed to a U.S.-brokered deal to release between 700 and 800 Palestinian prisoners, including around 100 convicted murderers, in exchange for 40 Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
The deal follows intense international pressure on Israel and weeks of fractious negotiations, potentially marking a major breakthrough in the conflict.
Hamas has yet to officially agree to the proposal and could take a few days to respond, with the exchange expected to have multiple phases.
The U.S. proposal aims to establish a prisoner-to-hostage ratio as part of a temporary truce agreement, with Hamas seeking a permanent end to the conflict.
If the deal proceeds, about 90 hostages would still remain in captivity, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.