Hamas deputy chief Saleh al-Arouri said that the group has prioritized getting detainees in Israeli prisons out, voicing his hope that they will be freed by the end of 2020.
“Working to free the prisoners is a duty, pride, and honor that we do not hide or be ashamed of, but rather profess, and we will do everything necessary to accomplish this sacred mission,” al-Arouri said.
The Hamas official’s statement comes at a time countries and parties are working to conclude a prisoner swap deal between Hamas and Israel. The movement is seeking a partial agreement now which will later lead to a more comprehensive deal.
If a deal is reached, Hamas is expected to hand over all of its prisoners in exchange for Israel releasing the group’s leaders, not just patients, the elderly, women and children.
Israeli officials said there is a rare opportunity for a swap deal now.
Israeli sources familiar with the issue said Hamas and Israel will likely reach an agreement in the coming weeks, provided that they both make difficult decisions quickly.
Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh had said that he is optimistic on a possible prisoner swap deal with Israel, and that the movement was ready for indirect negotiations.
“We have four prisoners and we are ready for indirect talks,” Haniyeh said in a television interview with the Gaza-based al-Araby TV network.
“I’m optimistic about the possibility of reaching an agreement with the occupation in order to complete a prisoner exchange deal and achieve our goals,” Haniyeh said.
The deal would include the remains of two Israeli soldiers, Sergeant First Class Oron Shaul and Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, killed during the 2014 Gaza war, and two Israeli civilians, Avera Avraham Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who are believed to be held by Hamas after entering Gaza in 2014-2015.
