The Day Prisoner Exchange Negotiations Intensified Amidst Gaza Returns

Palestinian media on October 12 continued to focus on the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange. In the morning, Hamas rejected disarming, stated readiness to fight if war resumes, and set a date for prisoner release. Reports detailed Israeli mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners and arrests in the West Bank targeting families of those to be released. Concurrently, half a million people returned to Gaza, with ongoing recovery of martyrs' bodies. By the afternoon, Hamas reportedly informed Israel of a possible release of 20 live prisoners today, and anticipated an Israeli withdrawal, though Hamas also denied governing Gaza during a transitional phase. Towards the evening, Palestinian media reported critical developments in the "Gaza agreement," though Qatar's Prime Minister announced a delay in difficult negotiations between Hamas and Israel until after the first phase.