Hamas signals readiness for cease-fire, Israeli hostage deal

Senior Hamas official Basem Naim stated Thursday that the group is open to a cease-fire and willing to release Israeli hostages as part of a “serious” prisoner exchange.

Naim, speaking to Sky News, emphasized that a brokered cease-fire deal was almost achieved in July before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “preferred to go the other way,” followed by attacks in Gaza.

“We are ready immediately for a cease-fire to end this war, for a serious prisoner exchange to get our brothers and sisters free,” Naim said. He added that Hamas is prepared to release all Israeli hostages if Israel frees Palestinian detainees, including minors and women.

Naim also called on U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to “stop this aggression” and “secure a dignified, prosperous future” for Palestinian children, reiterating Hamas’s support for a cease-fire proposed by President Joe Biden in July.

Israel has continued its offensive in Gaza, with more than 43,700 Palestinian fatalities reported since a Hamas-led cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023. Israeli estimates place over 100 hostages still held in Gaza, while shortages of food, clean water, and medicine have further intensified the humanitarian crisis.