Ghazi Hamad, member of Hamas’s political bureau, said the group is open to negotiating to release even more civilian captives currently held in Gaza, including men, Al Jazeera reports.

However, in regards to Israeli soldiers held captive, Hamad told Al Jazeera, “This is another story”.

“At this phase, we are talking about the civilian hostages. Regarding others, we are looking for a comprehensive swap and exchange to release all [7,200] prisoners in Israeli detention centres. This is our goal and aim,” Hamad said.

“But we will wait and see. We have full patience, power and energy to do that … Israel must release all the prisoners, and we are ready to release the Israeli soldiers.”