In brief
Hamas is negotiating with Israel for the release of prominent prisoners as part of a wider ceasefire deal. The Israeli justice ministry has proposed the release of 250 prisoners, but key names have been excluded. Hamas is demanding the inclusion of Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Saadat, seen as symbols of Palestinian resistance. Nearly 20 Israeli hostages are expected to be released as negotiations continue around the ceasefire agreement initiated by US diplomats.
Hamas is pressing Israel to include prominent Palestinians in a prisoner-release list as part of a ceasefire deal that will also see hostages returned from Gaza.
Hamas's insistence comes after the Israeli justice ministry published the names of 250 prisoners set to be freed, excluding seven high-profile prisoners including Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Saadat.
The men, convicted for their involvement in lethal attacks, are regarded by Palestinians as symbols of resistance.
Twenty Israeli hostages are expected to be released before noon on Monday as part of the agreement orchestrated by US President Donald Trump.
A senior Palestinian official familiar with the talks informed the BBC that US envoy Steve Witkoff vowed to address the exclusion of the Palestinian prisoners with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although Israel has firmly rejected their inclusion.
The potential exclusion of these individuals raises questions about the feasibility and timeline for releasing other hostages held in Gaza and imprisoned Palestinians in Israel.
Israel plans to release about 250 Palestinian prisoners sentenced to life in prison, along with an additional 1,700 Palestinians detained in Israeli facilities.
Barghouti, serving five life sentences for orchestrating attacks that resulted in civilian deaths, remains extremely popular among Palestinians. Saadat, leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), has been sentenced to 30 years for his role in various attacks, including an assassination.
Families of Israeli hostages are eagerly awaiting their return, as hospitals prepare to receive them post-release.
The negotiations have also sparked hope for aid to enter Gaza, with Israeli forces partially withdrawing from the area.
Since the start of hostilities following Hamas's attacks on Israel on October 7, the human toll has escalated, with 67,682 Palestinians reported killed in Gaza by the ongoing Israeli military campaign.
