Hamas calls for swift hostage-prisoner swap with Israel as key talks set to begin

Hamas on Sunday called for a swift start to a hostageprisoner exchange with Israel, as negotiators from both sides prepared to meet in Egypt for crucial talks aimed at ending the nearly two-year war in Gaza.

- Agence France-Presse

Protesters gather during an anti-government protest organised by the families of the Israeli hostages taken captive during October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, in Jerusalem on Saturday.

(AFP)

Foreign ministers from several countries, including Egypt, said the talks were a "real opportunity" to achieve a sustainable ceasefire. "Hamas is very keen to reach an agreement to end the war and immediately begin the prisoner exchange process in accordance with the field conditions," a senior Hamas official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The diplomatic push follows the Palestinian militant group's positive response to US President Donald Trump's roadmap for an end to the fighting and the release of captives in Gaza in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

Negotiators are due to gather in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing hope that the hostages could be released within days.