Hamas confirmed that progress has been made in hostage exchange and ceasefire negotiations.

The organization stated, "We renew our promise to our people and the heroic captives in prisons, confirming that their freedom is near."

This statement came after reports of significant progress during overnight talks in Doha. A Qatari official said the "final" version of the proposal was presented to Israel and Hamas, but an Israeli official later denied this claim.

As part of a possible agreement, the release of hostages held in Gaza is expected in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian detainees, including those convicted of terrorism.

Of the 251 hostages kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, it is believed that 94 are still in Gaza. According to the Israel Defense Forces, at least 34 of them have lost their lives.

Hamas had previously released 4 hostages and, during a one-week ceasefire at the end of November, released 105 civilian hostages. Israeli soldiers rescued 8 hostages alive. Additionally, the remains of 40 hostages were recovered; three of them were accidentally killed by the Israeli army while attempting to escape.

Hamas also holds two Israeli citizens who entered Gaza in 2014 and 2015, as well as the remains of two Israeli soldiers killed in 2014.