Jan 06, Kathmandu- Hamas has agreed to release 24 Israeli prisoners. It is said to be ready to release 34 prisoners as part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel.

According to Palestinian media, speculation has begun that peace may prevail in the Middle East after Hamas said it was ready to release the prisoners in the event of a ceasefire.

“The Palestinian group that rules the Gaza Strip has approved the release of the prisoners as part of the first phase of the prisoner exchange agreement,” international media reported, citing an unnamed Hamas official.

The initial prisoner exchange will include 34 women, children, the elderly and the sick among the prisoners in Gaza. The prisoner exchange will now depend on Israel's stance on a permanent ceasefire and withdrawal from Gaza.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Sunday that Hamas had provided a list of prisoners for possible release. The comments came as both Hamas and Israel were negotiating a ceasefire in Qatar.