Ceasefire deal could see 250 Palestinians released from Israel: report

The first phase of a potential ceasefire and prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas may see 250 Palestinian prisoners released from Israeli prisons in exchange for the children and five female soldiers held in Gaza, as well as some of the elderly.

That's according to reporting by Egyptian broadcaster Al-Ghad, citing unnamed sources. 

Israel reportedly also wants 11 male captives to be released from Gaza during this exchange. 

For weeks now, both sides have indicated that they are close to arriving at an agreement, but it's unlikely to include any kind of Israeli withdrawal from northern Gaza, which is being seen as a key concession from Hamas.