Hamas ready to release the hostages, and Netanyahu sets five conditions
Hamas reiterated on Wednesday that it is ready for a comprehensive Gaza deal through which all Israeli hostages are released in exchange for the release of an agreed upon number of Palestinian prisoners.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office criticized Hamas’ comments in a statement.
Unfortunately, this is yet another spin by Hamas with nothing new in it, it said.
The group’s remarks came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump called on Hamas to release all 20 hostages.
Netanyahu’s office reiterated that the war in Gaza would only end if all hostages were released, Hamas was disarmed.
Netanyahu has set out five conditions approved by the security cabinet: the release of all hostages, Hamas’ disarmament, demilitarization of Gaza, continued Israeli security control in the territory, and the creation of a civilian administration that does not indoctrinate terror, does not launch terror, and does not threaten Israel.
Most of Israel’s demands were absent from Hamas’ statement — and vice versa — leaving no sign of a breakthrough. Israel is expected to press ahead with its plans to capture Gaza City.
Hamas in August agreed to a 60-day ceasefire proposal with Israel that includes the return of half the hostages held in Gaza and Israel’s release of some Palestinian prisoners. An Egyptian official source said the proposal accepted by Hamas included a suspension of Israeli military operations for 60 days and outlined a framework for a comprehensive deal to end the nearly two-year-old conflict.
