Hamas offers to release 59 hostages in exchange for permanent cease-fire with Israel

Hamas has announced it is ready to release all 59 remaining hostages in Gaza in a single exchange if Israel agrees to a permanent cease-fire. This would occur during the second phase of the cease-fire deal next month. Currently, phase one is set to end on March 1, with 33 hostages being released. The second phase negotiations will include discussions on a permanent cease-fire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Israeli officials have confirmed that at least 35 hostages are dead, raising questions about whether Hamas will release only living hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed opposition to the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza.