Hamas terrorists have approved a list of 34 hostages presented by Israel to be exchanged in a potential ceasefire deal, the militant group’s leadership told Reuters. The official said that any deal is dependent upon reaching an agreement on an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire deal.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that Hamas has not provided a list of hostage names "up to this point," in statement released on Sunday.
Last week, Israel revealed parts of a report it has drafted and plans to submit to the United Nations that details the abuse hostages are being subjected to in Hamas captivity based on the condition of hostages who were released in a November 2023 deal and hostages that were rescued during military operations.
Health Minister Uriel Busso, whose ministry led the efforts in compiling the report, said it "depicts the atrocities that hostages suffered and reveals to the world the cruelty of the enemies we are dealing with.” He added, “These testimonies serve as a wake-up call to the international community. The world needs to see the reality of what hostages endured – and what those still in captivity continue to face.”
According to the Jerusalem Post, extensive testimonies from released hostages in the report detail how they were intentionally separated from other kidnapped family members in captivity and that children who were taken hostage were forced to watch videos of the October 7 atrocities.
In December, President-elect Donald Trump re-affirmed his commitment to taking action against the Hamas terrorists who orchestrated October 7 and told Hamas unequivocally that there would be "ALL HELL TO PAY" should they not be returned by January 20, Inauguration Day.
