Hamas Announces Deal for Simultaneous Exchange of Israel Hostages, Prisoners

The resolution is expected to keep the Gaza cease-fire deal intact before the first phase ends on March 1.

A drone view shows Palestinians and Hamas terrorists gathering around Red Cross vehicles on the day of the release of Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem Tov, and Omer Wenkert, hostages held in Gaza since the deadly Oct. 7, 2023, attack, as part of a cease-fire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, on Feb. 22, 2025. Stringer/Reuters

Hamas said on Feb. 25 that it had agreed to a simultaneous exchange of the bodies of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners as the first phase of the Gaza cease-fire nears an end.

The terrorist group stated that the resolution was reached during its delegation’s visit to Cairo during which Hamas affirmed its commitment to implement all “stages and clauses” of the cease-fire deal.