GAZA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Hamas said on Wednesday that it had submitted a proposal to Israel, through mediators, for a comprehensive prisoner-for-hostage swap based on the principle of "all for all" as part of ongoing negotiations.
A senior Hamas official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the proposal calls for "the immediate release of all Israeli prisoners held by Hamas in exchange for Israel releasing all Palestinian prisoners in its custody."
The official did not specify whether the proposal is part of the first phase of the agreement or linked to the upcoming second phase of negotiations.
In a press statement on Tuesday, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem affirmed the movement's readiness for "a one-time prisoner swap in the second phase."
However, he stressed that such a deal must be "part of an agreement leading to a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip."
Israel has not yet issued an official response to the proposal, while international efforts continue to push negotiations forward. ■