"Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal Uncoupled from Hostage Release, Key Issues Remain"

A Hamas official stated that a Gaza ceasefire deal should not be linked to the return of hostages, emphasizing the group's priorities as stopping aggression, bringing in aid, returning the displaced, and implementing a reconstruction plan. The official accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deceiving his people and obstructing an agreement, while also criticizing the US as a political and military partner supporting the occupation. Israel has reportedly accepted a US compromise to release 700-800 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 40 hostages, with the issue of the number of prisoners exchanged for each hostage being a sticking point in negotiations.