Hamas expresses optimism in negotiations on a cease-fire in Gaza

The Palestinian Hamas movement remains hopeful of reaching a partial agreement with Israel, which could form the basis for the next stage — a complete cease-fire and the start of negotiations on a long-term truce. A source in the Palestinian movement told Izvestia about this.

Peace of forces: Hamas approves Egypt's Gaza plan amid protests

Israel demands the surrender of weapons from the Palestinian movement.

"There is real optimism about the possibility of reaching a deal, even if it is partial. This could pave the way for the second phase, a complete end to the war, provided that Israel and the American side take seriously the proposals presented by the movement's delegation," the source told Izvestia.

On May 12, the military wing of Hamas, the Izzaddin al—Qassam Brigades, announced its readiness to release Israeli soldier Idan Alexander, who also holds American citizenship, from captivity. Hamas called this step part of a package of measures aimed at ending hostilities, opening humanitarian corridors and resuming aid supplies to residents of the Gaza Strip.

From January 19 to March 1, a ceasefire was in effect in the Gaza Strip as part of an agreement between Israel and Hamas on the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. In six weeks, 30 living hostages were released from the enclave and the bodies of eight victims were released. In exchange, Israel released about 1,700 Palestinian prisoners, including those sentenced to life in prison for terrorism, and the army withdrew from the interior of the Gaza Strip. Currently, Hamas continues to hold 59 more hostages, about half of whom are officially recognized as dead.

Read more in the exclusive Izvestia article:

Peace order: Hamas is set for a partial deal on Gaza