Overview

• 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.