Hamas Demands Release of Notorious Terrorists in Hostage Deal

As the Trump administration's Gaza peace plan enters its implementation phase, Hamas is demanding the release of some of Israel’s most notorious terrorists in exchange for the remaining 48 hostages still held in Gaza.

Among those named are the masterminds of bombings and massacres that collectively killed hundreds of Israelis, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly. The terror group is also requesting the return of the bodies of Yahya and Mohammed Sinwar—former Hamas military leaders responsible for the October 7, 2023 massacre, both of whom were killed in Israeli operations.

Senior Hamas official Taher Nunu confirmed that “prisoner lists” had been exchanged between the sides in recent days during talks in Egypt. “There is an optimistic spirit among everyone,” Nunu said, praising Qatari, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators involved in the negotiation process.

The prisoner demands include:

• Marwan Barghouti: A senior Fatah figure and icon for many Palestinians, Barghouti is serving five life sentences for orchestrating deadly attacks during the Second Intifada.

• Abdullah Barghouti: Serving 67 life sentences, Barghouti was the bombmaker behind the 2001 Sbarro bombing and multiple other mass-casualty attacks.

• Hassan Salameh: Responsible for a wave of 1996 suicide bombings that killed dozens of civilians. He is currently serving 46 life sentences.

• Ahmad Sa’adat: Head of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Sa’adat was convicted of organizing the 2001 assassination of Israeli Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze’evi.

• Ibrahim Hamed: A Hamas commander serving 54 life sentences for planning bombings that killed 46 Israelis.

• Abbas al-Sayed: Mastermind of the infamous 2002 Passover massacre at the Park Hotel in Netanya, which claimed 30 lives during a Seder meal.

Israeli sources confirmed to The Wall Street Journal and Asharq Al-Awsat that the Sinwar brothers’ remains are also part of the Hamas demands. Yahya Sinwar was the key architect of the October 7 attacks that killed over 1,200 Israelis and saw 250 hostages abducted. His brother Mohammed briefly succeeded him before being killed in an Israeli airstrike in May.

Though Israel has long refused to consider releasing terrorists responsible for mass murder, officials are under immense pressure to finalize a deal that brings the remaining hostages—roughly 20 of whom are believed to be alive back home after two years in captivity.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the full list of prisoner exchanges has not been finalized and that Israel will not approve any terms that "endanger Israeli lives." However, the Trump plan, which includes the release of 250 long-term security prisoners and 1,700 others detained since the 2023 war, is considered by both sides to be the final path to ending hostilities and beginning postwar reconstruction in Gaza.

Under the plan, which was signed Wednesday in Sharm el-Sheikh and ratified by Israel’s Cabinet Thursday evening, Israel has committed to a partial military withdrawal from Gaza and to facilitating humanitarian aid delivery.

President Donald Trump, who personally announced the deal on his Truth Social platform, emphasized the agreement's scope and historic nature. “All parties will be treated fairly! This is a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, all surrounding nations, and the United States of America,” Trump said.

Still, the inclusion of high-profile killers on Hamas’s release list has drawn outrage from victims’ families and security officials. Israeli intelligence sources warn that past releases of terrorists have often resulted in their return to operational roles within militant groups.

“Israel must weigh the unbearable cost of leaving hostages behind against the deadly consequences of releasing mass murderers,” one IDF official said. “This is the painful calculus of war and diplomacy.”

The next 72 hours will be critical. If the deal holds, Israel expects all living hostages to return by Monday. The return of deceased hostages' bodies many of which are believed to be buried in collapsed tunnels or buildings will take longer. A new joint Israeli-US-Qatari-Egyptian task force is being formed to locate and repatriate the remains.

The broader deal, which outlines a multi-phase roadmap for the disarmament of Hamas and the reconstruction of Gaza, continues to receive international support. India and Italy have already announced their backing, with Rome offering to contribute to peacekeeping and rebuilding operations.

Despite the moral dilemmas and political opposition, Israel’s leadership appears to be moving forward with the agreement. Whether the public can accept the release of men like Barghouti or Salameh remains to be seen.

As one hostage family member put it: “We are desperate for their return. But we cannot ignore the cost.” Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.